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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