90’s-built Ingalls DDGs modernized

The Navy's Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer modernization program met a milestone for two Ingalls-Pacagoula, Miss.-built destroyers, according to Naval Sea Systems Command. The milestone is the installation and testing of a new Aegis combat system software package for USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Benfold (DDG 65), launched from Ingalls in 1991 and 1994 respectively. The modernization program for DDG-51 class ships keep pace with evolving threats and meeting service life requirements for future commitments. Both destroyers successfully executed sea trials following the test. The new software package (baseline 9C) includes an Aegis Weapon System upgrade and introduces an enhanced SPY-1D radar with a multi-mission signal processor for anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defense; and the addition of anti-submarine warfare upgrades. The ships are expected to return to the fleet by early 2015; and forwardly-deployed in Japan by 2017. (Source: Mississippi Press, 12/22/14) http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/12/ingalls-built_destroyers_getti.html