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03 October 2026 From WHITTIER, Alaska Read more at: https://www.cpf.navy.mil/Newsroom/News/Article/4619438/today-ted-stevens-is-the-fleet-secretary-of-the-navy-commissions-uss-ted-stevens/Source: U.S. Pacific Fleet, “Today, Ted Stevens is the Fleet: Secretary of the Navy Commissions USS Ted Stevens” WHITTIER, Alaska — The U.S. Navy placed its newest Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), into active commission today during a formal ceremony in Whittier. The commissioning of USS Ted Stevens marks an immediate, decisive leap in naval warfighting readiness and surface fleet lethality. As the second Flight III destroyer to enter active service, USS Ted Stevens provides combatant commanders with unmatched integrated air and missile defense capabilities, directly supporting Department of War priorities to enforce maritime dominance, secure contested sea lanes, and project credible deterrence worldwide. The ship and its commissioning location honor the legacy of the late Senator Ted Stevens, a decorated combat aviator and lifelong champion for the state of Alaska and the nation’s armed forces. Selecting the strategic deep-water port of Whittier highlights Alaska’s enduring maritime significance and the historic partnership between the U.S. Navy and the 49th State. “Woosh-Jee-een,” is a phrase in the southeast Alaskan indigenous language Tlingit meaning “working together” or “pulling together,” which reflects the spirit of partnership between the Navy, the Stevens family, the crew and the people of Alaska. Senator Stevens served as an Army Air Forces pilot during World War II, flying hazardous transport missions over “The Hump” in the China-Burma-India theater supporting the 14th Air Force “Flying Tigers,” earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals. Returning home after the war, Stevens played an instrumental role in securing Alaska statehood in 1959. During four decades in the U.S. Senate, from 1968 to 2009, he served as President Pro Tempore and President Pro Tempore Emeritus, dedicating his career to modernizing the armed forces, bolstering national security, and ensuring warfighters were equipped to fight and win. During the ceremony, Acting Secretary of the Navy The Honorable Hung Cao highlighted the significance of the crew’s role in bringing the ship to life as it began its commissioned service. “Today, USS Ted Stevens is no longer preparing to join the fleet. Today, Ted Stevens is the fleet,” said Cao. “Today, USS Ted Stevens stands ready to defend the homeland, deter aggression, and when called upon, fight and win.” During the ceremony, the ship’s sponsors, Mrs. Catherine Ann Stevens, wife of Senator Stevens, and his daughters, Mrs. Susan Stevens Covich and Mrs. Lily Stevens Becker, gave the traditional naval order: “Man our ship and bring her to life!” At that command, the commissioning crew ran aboard to man the rails, set the first watch, and bring the warship’s advanced combat systems to full operational status. “I am deeply honored and proud to be your sponsor, along with my mother and sister Susan,” said Lily Stevens Becker, daughter of Senator Ted Stevens. “As you wake up every day, know that we and every person here believe in you to take care of this ship, take care of each other, and to uphold the peace and safety of our nation.” The ship’s motto, “Lead with Courage,” serves as an operational mandate that reflects Senator Stevens’ wartime bravery and channels it into the aggressive combat posture required of today’s surface warriors. “To my crew, my shipmates, the men and women who are the heart and soul of this great ship, you have exceeded all expectations,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Mary Katey Hayes, commanding officer of USS Ted Stevens. “We are ready to answer our nation’s call. We are ready to defend freedom, whether the winds of war blow near the rugged coast of Alaska, or in the far reaches of the globe.” From the North Pacific campaigns of World War II to modern Arctic maritime operations, the Navy and Alaska share a deep commitment to homeland defense. The commissioning in Whittier emphasizes the Navy’s persistent operational presence in high-latitude environments to deter northern flank aggression and safeguard critical maritime routes. Ted Stevens is built around the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, delivering a generational leap in simultaneous Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) and Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD). Featuring enhanced electrical power distribution and expanded cooling capacity, the destroyer is engineered to operate in high-threat environments and integrate seamlessly with joint and coalition forces. Following post-commissioning operations, USS Ted Stevens will transit to its permanent homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, fully prepared to deploy worldwide. The commissioning of the Ted Stevens underscores the Navy’s commitment to building America’s Golden Fleet. For 250 years, American naval power has projected strength globally. That mission continues – and intensifies. We operate forward 24/7, 365 days a year. This operational tempo demands continuous capability delivery, and the Golden Fleet is our answer. Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet ensures fleet commanders are equipped with the personnel, materiel, and training required to project credible naval power at sea, ashore, at home, and abroad. Ceremony imagery, video b-roll, and official remarks are available on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) at https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/38076 and the Surface Warriors portal at https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/.

USS Ted Stevens joins fleet as Navy’s newest destroyer Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2026-10-04/uss-ted-stevens-commissioning-ceremony-23054078.htmlSource – Stars and Stripes A new warship has joined the Navy fleet. The Navy commissioned USS Ted Stevens, the service’s newest Flight III Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, during a ceremony Saturday in Whittier, Alaska, according to a service news release. The ship honors Ted Stevens, a decorated World War II veteran and Alaska’s longest-serving senator, who represented the state for more than four decades. “Today, USS Ted Stevens is no longer preparing to join the fleet. Today, Ted Stevens is the fleet,” said Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao during the ceremony. “Today, USS Ted Stevens stands ready to defend the homeland, deter aggression, and when called upon, fight and win.” The ship’s sponsors are Catherine Ann, the senator’s wife, and his daughters, Susan and Lily. They gave the traditional naval order to man the ship and bring it to operational status. “As you wake up every day, know that we and every person here believe in you to take care of this ship, take care of each other, and to uphold the peace and safety of our nation,” Lily said. Stevens served as an Army Air Forces pilot during World War II and flew hazardous transport missions in the China-Burma-India theaters, the release said. He earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals. Following the ship’s commissioning, Ted Stevens will eventually begin transiting to its permanent homeport in Norfolk, Va., according to the release. “We are ready to answer our nation’s call. We are ready to defend freedom, whether the winds of war blow near the rugged coast of Alaska, or in the far reaches of the globe,” said Capt. Mary Katey Hayes, commanding officer of USS Ted Stevens.

By Ensign Dylan Barron, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs WHITTIER, Alaska (Aug. 27, 2026) – The U.S. Navy will commission the future Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) on Oct. 3, 2026, in Whittier, Alaska. The ship and its commissioning location honor the legacy of the late Senator Ted Stevens, a decorated World War II Army Air Corps pilot and a lifelong champion for the state of Alaska and the nation’s armed forces. The selection of Whittier also recognizes Alaska’s vital maritime tradition and the enduring partnership between the U.S. Navy and the state. “Equipped with cutting-edge systems and capabilities, USS Ted Stevens is ready to answer our Nation’s call to counter aggression and safeguard our interests by providing a powerful advantage at sea,” said Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao. “As we welcome another formidable Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to America’s Fleet, this warship will carry forward the ideals that its namesake spent his entire life defending from the cockpit to the Senate floor.” Senator Stevens was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his flying missions including transport over “The Hump” in the China-Burma-India theater. Returning to his home state of Alaska following World War II, he became a champion of Alaska statehood. Stevens later served in the U. S. Senate from December 1968 until January 2009, where he served as the president pro tempore in the 108th and 109th Congresses and was the third U.S Senator to hold the title of president pro tempore emeritus. In the Senate, Stevens promoted national security, worked to strengthen our military with modern weapons, new facilities, and improved pay and benefits. “USS Ted Stevens represents the combat-ready, lethal force our Navy needs to deter aggression and defend our nation,” said Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations. “With her advanced sensors, weapons, and air and missile defense capabilities, this ship will give our Fleet greater capacity to find, track, and defeat threats across the maritime domain. Most importantly, the Sailors who bring her to life will strengthen our ability to fight and win wherever and whenever our nation calls.” The ship’s sponsors are Mrs. Catherine Ann Stevens, Senator Stevens’ wife, and his daughters, Mrs. Susan Stevens Covich and Mrs. Lily Stevens Becker. As sponsors, they will represent the ship’s enduring connection to the Stevens family throughout the vessel’s operational lifetime. “USS Ted Stevens is built for the fight, carrying the legacy of service, courage, and determination of a warrior who flew combat missions in World War II and devoted his life to serving his country,” said Vice Adm. Joe Cahill, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “That legacy now passes to the Sailors who will bring this ship to life, turn her advanced integrated air and missile defense into combat power, and carry Senator Stevens’ standard forward. Their readiness will ensure Ted Stevens remains the ultimate deterrent to those who would mistake our preference for peace as a deficit of resolve.” From the North Pacific campaigns of World War II to current Arctic operations, the Navy and Alaska have maintained a shared commitment to defending the nation’s northernmost sea lanes. Today, the Navy maintains a persistent operational presence in Alaska by conducting high-latitude maritime security patrols, cold-weather warfare training, and joint-force exercises designed to project decisive naval power, secure critical sea lanes, and defend the homeland. Following its commissioning, the future USS Ted Stevens will be homeported Norfolk, Virginia. Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers feature the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporate upgrades to electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide enhanced warfighting capability to the Fleet. Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet ensures fleet commanders are equipped with personnel, materiel, and training required to project credible naval power at sea, ashore, at home and abroad. For more news from the Naval Surface Force, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ and www.dvidshub.net/unit/COMNAVSURFPAC.

Link to Article: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/564609/navy-announces-future-uss-ted-stevens-commissioned-whittier-alaska PASCAGOULA, Miss. (May 8, 2026) — The Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128) departed HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division today enroute to its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia ahead of its future commissioning in Whittier, Alaska. “The sail-away of Ted Stevens reflects the strong momentum of our Flight III destroyer deliveries and the team’s work to deliver the most capable and combat ready ships to the fleet,” said Chris Brown, Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG 51 program manager. “Seeing DDG 128 depart Ingalls is a proud moment for us all, and we are honored to support the Navy with a ship that will strengthen U.S. maritime security for decades to come.” DDG 128 is the second Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built and delivered by Ingalls. The ship represents the next generation of surface combatants, featuring the Flight III AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar system and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system designed to counter evolving threats well into the 21st century. Ingalls Shipbuilding currently has five additional Flight III destroyers under construction, with seven more in early pre-planning and material procurement phases. To increase throughput and meet growing demand from the Navy, Ingalls is executing a distributed shipbuilding initiative, partnering with shipyards and fabricators beyond the company’s traditional labor market to improve schedule performance across all programs. In 2026, HII plans to outsource more than 2.5 million hours of shipbuilding work, while expanding its structural assembly network of assembly partner companies, enabling more work to be completed outside the shipyard before final assembly. To date, Ingalls has delivered 36 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), and Ted Stevens (DDG 128). Flight III destroyers currently under construction include Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), Thad Cochran (DDG 135), and John F. Lehman (DDG 137). Ships in pre-planning include Telesforo Trinidad (DDG 139), Ernest E. Evans (DDG 141), Charles French (DDG 142), Richard J. Danzig (DDG 143), Intrepid (DDG 145), Robert Kerrey (DDG 146), and Ray Mabus (DDG 147).     SUPPORT TODAY Flight III Destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128) Sails Away from HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding

Link to Article: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/564609/navy-announces-future-uss-ted-stevens-commissioned-whittier-alaska WHITTIER, ALASKA, UNITED STATES 05.06.2026 Story by Julie Ann Ripley  Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet The U.S. Navy will commission the future Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) in Whittier, Alaska. The ship is named in honor of Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska in recognition of his military service, advocacy for Alaska statehood, and 40 year tenure in the United States Senate. A World War II Army Air Corps veteran who earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals, he moved to Alaska and became a champion of Alaska statehood. He later served in the U. S. Senate from December 1968 until January 2009, where he served as the president pro tempore in the 108thand 109thCongresses and was the third U.S Senator to hold the title of president pro tempore emeritus. In the Senate, Stevens promoted national security, worked to strengthen our military with modern weapons, new facilities, and improved pay and benefits. The selection of Whittier also recognizes Alaska’s vital maritime tradition and the long history between the Navy and Alaska. The ship’s sponsors are Mrs. Catherine Ann Stevens, Senator Stevens’ wife, and his daughters, Mrs. Susan Stevens Covich and Mrs. Lily Stevens Becker. Following its commissioning, the future USS Ted Stevens will be homeported Norfolk, Virginia. Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers feature the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporate upgrades to electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide enhanced warfighting capability to the Fleet. The commissioning date will be announced at a later time. The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore. For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visithttps://www.surfpac.navy.mil/. SUPPORT TODAY

PRESS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.S. Navy Approves USS Ted Stevens (DDG128) Commissioning Ceremony for Whittier ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 12 March 2026 – Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has formally approved USS Ted Stevens (DDG128) to be commissioned in Whittier, Alaska. The commissioning ceremony is currently anticipated to take place Fall 2026. U.S. Navy ship commissioning’s are rare in Alaska. The last one held in the state was May 4, 2013, when the USS Anchorage (LPD 23) was commissioned at the Don Young Port of Alaska. A Commissioning is a time-honored naval tradition that marks the moment a ship officially enters the fleet of the United States Navy. The ceremony will celebrate the sailors who will serve aboard the ship and honor the legacy of the vessel’s namesake, the late U.S. Senator TedStevens, who represented Alaska for four decades and was one of the longest-serving Republican senators in U.S. history. “Hosting the commissioning of the USS Ted Stevens (DDG128) in Alaska is a profound honor for our State,” said Representative Chuck Kopp who serves as Vice President of the USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Committee. “Senator Stevens dedicated his life to strengthening America’s national defense and advocating for Alaska. Bringing this ship to life in Alaska reflects his enduring legacy and the strong connection between Alaska and the United States military.” The USS Ted Stevens (DDG128) is the newest and most advanced Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, once commissioned will be the most powerful warship in the fleet. Ships of this class are designed to conduct a wide range of missions including air defense, ballistic missiledefense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat operations. The commissioning ceremony is expected to draw the ship’s crew and their families, senior military leaders, elected officials, dignitaries, prominent Alaskans and visitors from across the country, marking a historic moment for Alaska’s maritime and military communities. Additional details regarding the official commissioning date, public events, and opportunities for Alaskans and visitors to support and participate in commissioning week activities will beannounced in the coming months. For more information, please visit the USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Committee website at usstedstevens.org. You may sign up to receive notifications as announcements are made.   Media Contacts:Cherie Curry, Presidentcherie@usstedstevens.org Miles Baker, Public Affairs Chairjoinus@usstedstevens.org   USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Committee 821 N Street, Suite 103, Anchorage, AK 99501 SUPPORT TODAY