USS Ted Stevens: First Navy Ship Commissioning in Alaska

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Anchorage News Today. The U.S. Navy has greenlit plans to commission the Guided Missile Destroyer USS Ted Stevens, right in Whittier, Alaska, come fall of 2026. This Arleigh Burke Class Fight 3 ship, known as DDG-128, marks a big deal since the ceremonies usually happen at major fleet bases. Secretary of the Navy, John Feline, gave the official nod to the location. The vessel rolled off the line from Huntington Engels Industries in December, and packs cutting edge gear like the AN-SPY-6 radar and Aegis baseline. Ten combat system to tackle today's threats. It's the first Navy ship commissioning in Alaska since 2013, when USS Anchorage got its start in Anchorage. This event will officially bring the destroyer into the fleet, honoring the crew, the ship, and its namesake, the late Senator Ted Stevens. Respect sailors, their families, top military brass, lawmakers, and folks from across the country to show up in Whittier.

1:01Representative Chuck Coup, Vice President of the Commissioning Committee, described it as a profound honor that highlights Stevens' legacy and Alaska's strong military connections. The ceremony underscores the state's role in national defense. More info on the exact date, public activities, and how Alaskans can get involved will drop in the coming months, so stay tuned for updates. This episode is supported by our sponsor, C Details in the Description, a pillow that sounds as good as it feels. Built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com