New destroyer delivered to the U.S. Navy

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- The future USS Rafael Peralta, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, has been delivered to the U.S. Navy by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.

The 505-foot long vessel is the first constructed by the company and the 65th destroyer of the class for the Navy.

"Arleigh Burke-class destroyers continue to provide the most critical warfighting technologies to our sailors, equipping them with the capabilities they require to meet our missions at sea," said Capt. Casey Moton, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office Ships. "As the 65th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to join the fleet, Rafael Peralta will continue the proud legacy of this class"

The Navy said the new vessel is equipped with the Aegis Baseline 9 Combat System, which includes an Integrated Air and Missile Defense capability that incorporates the Ballistic Missile Defense 5.0 Capability Upgrade and Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air.

The Aegis Combat System provides a ship-to-link radars with other ships and aircraft for a composite picture of the battle space and effectively increase the theater space.

The ship is expected to be commissioned into service later this year, the Navy said.