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US Navy’s destroyer Zumwalt christened in Maine

BATH (Maine) — The United States Navy christened the first ship of its newest class of destroyers (picture), a more than US$3 billion (S$3.7 billion), 186-metre-long warship sporting advanced technology and a stealthy shape designed to minimise its visibility on enemy radar and reduce the size of its crew.

The Zumwalt Class Multi-Mission Destroyer. Photo: AP

The Zumwalt Class Multi-Mission Destroyer. Photo: AP

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BATH (Maine) — The United States Navy christened the first ship of its newest class of destroyers (picture), a more than US$3 billion (S$3.7 billion), 186-metre-long warship sporting advanced technology and a stealthy shape designed to minimise its visibility on enemy radar and reduce the size of its crew.

Named after the late Adm Elmo “Bud’’ Zumwalt, the newest destroyer’s massive size and angular profile make it stand apart from other US warships. Bud Zumwalt, who became the youngest chief of naval operations in 1970, promoted the first female and African-American officers to admirals.

“This ship is a modern marvel, and it’s going to take smart and creative and hardworking sailors like Bud Zumwalt to operate it,’’ Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus told the crowd of thousands at Bath Iron Works, where the ship has been under construction since 2009. “She will support our allies, assist those in need, and deter and defeat, if necessary, any adversary,” Mr Mabus was quoted saying on Saturday by the Bath Daily newspaper in Maine.

Among the 15,000-tonne warship’s cutting-edge features are a composite deckhouse with hidden radar and sensors and an angular shape that officials say will allow it to be confused for a small fishing boat on radars. It also has a wave-piercing hull designed to reduce the ship’s wake. It is the first US ship to use electric propulsion and produces enough power to one day support the futuristic electromagnetic rail gun, which will be tested at sea in 2016.

The Zumwalt was originally supposed to be christened in October, but the ceremony was rescheduled because of last year’s federal government shutdown. The ship is expected to be delivered to the Navy late this year and to enter service in 2016. It will be joined by two other destroyers in its class, which are also being built in Bath. AGENCIES

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