Ingalls Ship Named In Honor Of World War II Hero

Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton Industries christened its fifth Aegis guided missile destroyer, named Ramage (DDG 61).

DDG 61 is named to honor the life and service of World War II hero Vice Admiral Lawson Paterson Ramage, USN, (1909-1990). In 1944, while commanding the submarine USSParche (SS 384), Vadm.

Ramage became the first living submariner to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor.

In addition to its VLS capability, Ramage has eight Harpoon antiship missile launchers and two MK 32 triple-barrel torpedo launchers, both mounted on the ship's deck, as well as two MK 15 Phalanx Closein Weapon Systems and a five-inch, rapid-firing deck gun. DDG 61 also features the LAMPS MK III Control System, with helicopter landing and replenishment facilities. DDG 61 is the fifth ship in the Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) Class to be christened at Ingalls, of 11 ships contracted to the shipyard. Ingalls' first Aegis destroyer, USS Barry (DDG 52) was commissioned in 1992. Stout (DDG 55) andMitscher (DDG 57), Ingalls' second and third destroyers, are being prepared for delivery this year.

Aegis ships are designed to provide primary protection for the Navy's battle forces. Aegis destroy- ers are 504 feet long (154 m), with a beam of 59 feet (18 m).

Four gas turbine engines power the 8,300-ton ships to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

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