By Published on 12/07/2021 – Last Updated on 12/07/2021 by OTC
Huntington Ingalls Industries officially started fabrication of the Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyer George M. Neal (DDG 131) on Thursday, Dec. 2.
“Start of fabrication is our first opportunity to formally celebrate and reflect on our contributions as shipbuilders,” Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. “We are very proud of what we do here for the country and endeavor to do our part in building and activating what will be the newest Flight III destroyer.”
Ingalls has delivered 33 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the Navy. Other destroyers currently under construction include Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), Ted Stevens (DDG 128), and Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129).
The new destroyer’s name honors a Korean War veteran, Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class George M. Neal, who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while attempting to rescue a fellow service member. Neal volunteered as a crewman to fly in a helicopter deep into North Korean mountains to attempt the rescue of a Marine aviator who had been shot down and was trapped by the enemy. During the rescue attempt, under heavy enemy fire, Neal’s helicopter was disabled and crashed. He assisted his pilot and the rescued aviator in evading enemy forces for nine days before being captured and held as a prisoner of war. Neal was eventually released and returned to the U.S. with more than 320 fellow POWs in 1952.
Check out Naval Library App to find out more about the specifications of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
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