BREAKING DESTROYER NEWS: NAVY UNVEILS NAMES OF NEW ARLEIGH BURKE-CLASS DESTROYERS

American shipbuilding is a topic that refuses to go away; however, we’re starting off 2025 with some positive news. The latest destroyer news update points to two new vessels being created for the U.S. Navy with fitting names appointed to each. Learn more about the new destroyers coming soon.
Destroyer News: Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro Names Two New Ships
A well-received update on destroyer news came early in 2025 as Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro named the USS Intrepid (DDG-145) and USS Robert Kerrey (DDG-146) as the 95th and 96th destroyers.
Both will be Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers of the Flight III and are also both being built out of Pascagoula, Mississippi, through Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding.

USS Intrepid (DDG-145)
Speaking on the new destroyer, Del Toro said, “It is my pleasure to announce that the fifth vessel named Intrepid will be an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, DDG 145, USS Intrepid, in honor of her past namesakes and the courageous service of all our Sailors globally from the South China Sea to the Red Sea.”
The ship is going to be the fifth in the history of the U.S. Navy with its namesake; however, one very unique feature will be the AN/SPY-6 radar—a more powerful version than the sister ships in her class allowing it to sub as air-defense similar to Ticonderoga-class cruisers.
Reaching speeds of 31 knots (36 mph), the USS Intrepid will be capable of displacing 9,217 tons with a full load and hold 380 Sailors.
USS Robert Kerrey (DDG-146)
Another destroyer making new headlines is the USS Robert Kerrey (DDG-146), which is named after former U.S. Senator, Navy SEAL Veteran, and Medal of Honor recipient Joseph Robert Kerrey.
It’s the first time the Navy has named a ship after Kerrey, a well-deserving figure who served his nation during the Vietnam War.
“One of the great privileges I have as Secretary of the Navy is to name ships, and it is my honor to name the future USS Robert Kerrey (DDG 146). This will be the first Navy vessel named in his honor, and it is most appropriate we do so, for his actions in Vietnam and his continued service to this country well beyond his Naval service,” said Del Toro.
Similar to the Intrepid, the USS Robert Kerrey is also equipped with an AN/SPY-6 radar. The ship will also reach speeds of 31 knots (36 mph), displace 9,217 tons of water with a full load, and hold 380 Sailors.

New Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer News Continues Reversal of Fortune for Ships
Adding more destroyers is the news many have been waiting for as the Navy continues to look for ways to increase its fleet.
However, late in 2024, Sailors also received positive news about the Navy extending the service life of 12 aging Flight I Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to balance current operational needs with the time required for new ships to join the fleet.
The extensions vary depending on the ship and range from one to five years, keeping the destroyers in service until sometime between 2030 and 2036 rather than retiring the vessels beginning in 2028. These are the ships affected by the change:
- USS Barry: 2031
- USS Stethem: 2031
- USS Carney: 2032
- USS John Paul Jones: 2033
- USS Curtis Wilbur: 2034
- USS Stout: 2034
- USS John S. McCain: 2034
- USS Laboon: 2035
- USS Paul Hamilton: 2035
- USS The Sullivans: 2035
- USS Gonzalez: 2036
- USS Cole: 2036
These decisions were made following thorough evaluations conducted by the Navy of each destroyer’s condition and capabilities to ensure their continued effectiveness.
Look for more destroyer news and other announcements involving shipbuilding to come as the Trump administration has committed to finding a solution to improve America’s output for bolstering our fleet.
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