Picture of the U.S.S. Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG-126), soon to be commissioned by the U.S. Navy. By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Armando Gonzales – http://www.navy.mil/view_imagex.asp?id=225022&t=1, (Wikipedia)
The USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG-126) is an Arleigh Burke-class (Flight III) Aegis guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, the second of the Flight III variants. The ship is named in honor of U.S. Marine Corps General Louis H. Wilson Jr., a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II. The naming of the ship was officially announced on 17 September 2016 by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.
Construction and Fabrication
Bath Iron Works (BIW), a division of General Dynamics, began fabrication of the USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. on 3 March 2020. The vessel is being constructed as part of the U.S. Navy’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its fleet with more advanced, capable destroyers. The Louis H. Wilson Jr. will be the second ship of the Arleigh Burke-class Flight III variants, which incorporate upgrades designed to enhance its capabilities for modern naval warfare.
Design and Features
The USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. is based on the Arleigh Burke-class Flight III design, which features significant upgrades to its Aegis Combat System, including the AN/SPY-6 radar system. This enhanced radar system improves the ship’s ability to detect and track a variety of targets, making it better equipped to counter modern threats such as anti-ship missiles and aircraft. The destroyer also features upgrades to its electrical power and cooling systems, allowing it to support advanced weapons and sensor systems.
The Flight III upgrades are designed to enhance the destroyer’s warfighting capabilities and improve its ability to integrate with the U.S. Navy’s broader defense and offensive systems.
Naming and Significance
The USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. is named in honor of General Louis H. Wilson Jr., a decorated Marine Corps officer who served with distinction during World War II and the Vietnam War. General Wilson was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Battle of Guam in 1944, where he displayed exceptional bravery while leading his men. Following his service in Vietnam, Wilson became the 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps, serving from 1975 to 1979.
The ship’s name reflects the U.S. Navy’s tradition of honoring military figures who have made significant contributions to national defense and military history.
Commissioning and Future Service
The USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. is expected to play a vital role in the U.S. Navy’s ongoing efforts to maintain maritime dominance and ensure national security. Once commissioned, the ship will join the fleet as part of the Navy’s future destroyer force, which is increasingly focused on advanced missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and multi-domain operations.
As of 2025, the ship is still under construction, with additional details about its commissioning and operational status to be released upon completion.
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Name | Louis H. Wilson Jr. |
| Namesake | Louis H. Wilson |
| Builder | Bath Iron Works |
| Laid down | 16 May 2023 |
| Sponsored by |
|
| Identification | Hull number: DDG-126 |
| Status | Under construction |
| Badge |
|
| General characteristics | |
| Class & type | Arleigh Burke-class destroyer |
| Displacement | 9,217 tons (full load)[2] |
| Length | 510 ft (160 m)[2] |
| Beam | 66 ft (20 m)[2] |
| Propulsion | 4 × General Electric LM2500 gas turbines 100,000 shp (75,000 kW)[2] |
| Speed | 31 knots (57 km/h; 36 mph) |
| Complement | 380 officers and enlisted |
| Armament |
|
| Armor | Kevlar-type armor with a steel hull. Numerous passive survivability measures. |
| Aircraft carried | 2 × MH-60R Seahawk helicopters |
| Aviation facilities | Double hangar and helipad |
References
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U.S. Navy. “Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus Names Future Destroyer USS Louis H. Wilson Jr.” U.S. Navy News, 17 September 2016.
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“Bath Iron Works Begins Fabrication of Future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG-126).” General Dynamics, 3 March 2020.
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“USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG-126) Overview.” U.S. Navy, 2025.
External Links
Categories: | Arleigh Burke-class destroyers | United States Destroyers
Back to the United States Navy Portal
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