U.S. Navy reveals title of next-generation frigate class

The U.S. Navy has introduced that the brand new class of frigate shall be named Constellation. 

Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite introduced USS Constellation (FFG 62) because the title for the primary ship within the new Guided Missile Frigate (FFG(X)) class of ships Oct. 7 whereas aboard the museum ship Constellation in Baltimore Inside Harbor, based on a current service information launch.

The title was chosen in honor of the primary U.S. Navy ships licensed by Congress in 1794 — six heavy frigates named United States, Constellation, Structure, Chesapeake, Congress, and President. These ships established the Continental Navy as an agile, deadly and prepared power for the 19^th century. This would be the fifth U.S. Navy ship to bear the title Constellation.

“As the primary in her class, these ships will now be often called the Constellation Class frigates, linking them on to the unique six frigates of our Navy, carrying on the traditions of our nice service which have been handed down from technology to technology of Sailors,” stated Braithwaite. “Whereas offering an unmatched functionality and survivability for the 21^st Century, Constellation Class Frigates will honor our Navy’s historic beginnings as we proceed to function around the globe in in the present day’s period of Nice Energy Competitors.”

As the subsequent technology of small floor combatants will contribute to assembly the purpose of 355 battle power ships. With the power to function independently or as a part of a strike group, it’s going to ship an Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR), Mk 41 Vertical Launching System, and Baseline 10 (BL 10) Aegis Fight System capabilities. The ships lethality, survivability, and improved functionality will present Fleet Commanders a number of choices whereas supporting the Nationwide Protection Technique throughout the complete vary of army operations.

Constellation is a historic title with a protracted Naval historical past. The unique title was submitted to President Washington in 1795 to characterize the ‘new constellation of stars’ on america flag.  The primary Constellation was a 38-gun frigate with a crew of 340 personnel. The ship was inbuilt Baltimore in 1797 and remained in service till 1853.

The second Constellation was a sloop-of-war launched in 1854 and was the final sail-only warship designed and constructed by the U.S. Navy. The ship at the moment stands as a museum in Baltimore.

The keel for a 3rd ship named Constellation was laid, however the ship was by no means accomplished within the peace years following WWI.

Probably the most distinguished Constellation is the Kitty-Hawk class standard plane provider that commissioned in 1961. It had a storied historical past to incorporate overcoming a number of catastrophic fires on board, supporting operations through the Vietnam Struggle, the primary Persian Gulf Struggle, and Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom earlier than decommissioning in 2003.

Constellation Class Frigates shall be constructed at Marinette Marine Company in Marinette, Wisconsin with the primary ship scheduled for supply in 2026.