The newest in the Arleigh Burke-class of guided-missile destroyers, the USS Spruance (DDG-111), set sail from General Dynamics [GD] Bath Iron Works in Maine yesterday on its maiden voyage to commissioning, the Navy said.
Spruance will head to its Oct. 1 commissioning ceremony in Key West, Fla. The Aegis destroyer will then depart for its homeport in San Diego, Calif., the Navy said.
Spruance is the 61st in the class. The ship completed trials in March to demonstrate operational readiness and was accepted by the Navy in April.
“Spruance is a masterful piece of Maine craftsmanship that my crew and I are honored to sail,” said Cmdr. Tate Westbrook, the ship’s commanding officer, said in a statement. “We’re excited to join the fleet with this outstanding ship to support the nation’s naval interests at home and abroad.”
The ship is named for Adm. Raymond Spruance, who led naval forces in the World War II battles of Midway and the Philippine Sea.