Stealthy San Diego-Based USS Zumwalt Docks In Japan On Farthest Mission To Date

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego

October 2, 2022

The USS Zumwalt, the first of a new class of giant, stealthy destroyers, has docked in Japan on its farthest mission since commissioning in 2016.

The San Diego-based warship arrived in Yokosuka on Monday after a port call at Naval Base Quam.

“Zumwalt is currently conducting operations and engagements in the Indo-Pacific region,” the Navy told Stars and Stripes. “DDG 1000 plays an integral role in maintaining our competitive edge and assuring our allies and partners in the region.”

The warship is 610 feet long and displaces 16,000 tons It is about 100 feet longer and 6,000 tons heavier than the Navy’s mainstay Arleigh-Burke destroyers.

“The Zumwalt-class is the largest and most technologically advanced surface combatant in the world,” according to the Navy.

The Navy built three of the unique ships, all based in San Diego, but deployment has been delayed by canceled development of massive 155-mm shore-bombardment guns that were to be fired from stealthy bow mounts.

However, the Navy announced plans last year to install hypersonic missile launchers in place of the guns.

The ships are also armed with a variety of other missiles in vertical launch tubes.

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