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Kidd Successfully Completes Sea Trials

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061206-11
Release Date: 12/6/2006 7:01:00 AM

By Ensign Andrew Petry, USS Kidd Public Affairs

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- USS Kidd (DDG 100), the newest member of the Arleigh Burke class of AEGIS destroyers, completed initial sea trials Nov. 13-16.

One of the most impressive feats during sea trials occurred during the first firing of her weapon systems. During sea trials, the ship fired two SM-2 missiles, two of the Navy’s prototype Extended Range Munitions (ERM), and 24 rounds of the MK 45 Mod 4 5” 62 caliber gun.

“We finally got to make our weapons go 'boom,'" said Fire Controlman 1st Class Steve Johnson.

In addition to the combat systems testing, Kidd performed a full-power run, high-speed maneuvering, and various assessments of the ship’s overall capabilities.

“Seeing the ship underway was truly phenomenal. It was a testament to the will and drive of Northrop Grumman employees, as well as the Navy and my own crew,” said Cmdr. Richard Thomas, commanding officer. “Everything ran smoothly. The missile shots were dead on, and Kidd performed beyond expectations.”

On top of all the scheduled testing, Kidd went through her first heavy seas due to a winter storm, which only enhanced the operational evaluation of the ship.

“Seeing Kidd underway, looking like a warship and not a work in progress, was one of the greatest rewards of being part of the pre-commissioning unit,” said Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Timothy Kerr. “The only downfall’s knowing that it won’t be until next summer when we get to see her back where she should be, underway.”

Kidd is not the first ship to be named after Adm. Isaac C. Kidd, who died during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Two other USS Kidds, DD 661, a Fletcher-class destroyer and DDG 993, the lead ship of the Kidd-class destroyer, served before DDG 100. Realizing that the newest Kidd is part of a larger heritage, the crew desires to honor the past ships by continuing the Kidd reputation and mentality.

“We would like past generations of Kidd Sailors, the Pirates of the Pacific, to be proud of this generation of Kidd Sailors,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jay Wylie, Kidd’s executive officer.

The next phase for Kidd and her crew is for the crew to move aboard and to load out her inventory. Kidd is scheduled to sail away the summer of 2007 to her homeport of San Diego.