Navy to Put USS Zumwalt Destroyer Through Navigation, Propulsion Test Series

A U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer left a General Dynamics Bath Iron Works subsidiary shipyard in Maine to begin a series of tests to evaluate the vessel’s navigation, propulsion and other systems, Scout Warrior reported Wednesday.

Matthew Leonard, a spokesman for the Navy, told Scout Warrior that the acceptance trials of USS Zumwalt seek to demonstrate the vessel’s platforms before the Navy’s board of inspection and survey.

Kris Osborn writes the acceptance tests come after Bath Iron Works conducted “builder trials” in which it assessed the ship’s technologies.

Leonard noted that a crew certification session will occur at Bath Iron Works following the acceptance trials and delivery of hull maintenance and electrical systems.

After the certification period, the destroyer will leave Bath Iron Works’ shipyard in Maine in preparation for its scheduled Oct. 15 commissioning in Baltimore and mission systems activation in San Diego, he added.

Leonard said the destroyer is scheduled for delivery later this year and is set to commence operations by 2019.