(from www.nitze.navy.mil)
An Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Nitze (DDG 94) was christened on April 17, 2004 at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine. Sen. Susan M. Collins of Maine delivered the ceremony’s principal address. Leezee Porter served as sponsor of the ship named for her husband. DDG 94 was built by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, and will join the fleet in 2004. The ship is capable of firing surface-to-air missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles from forward and aft vertical launching systems and is configured with port and starboard torpedo tubes, one five-inch gun; and advanced electronic warfare systems. This will be the 16th Flight IIA Arleigh Burke class destroyer to employ an embarked helicopter detachment capable of supporting dual SH-60 helicopters. Arleigh Burke class destroyers are equipped to operate with battle groups in high-threat environments and conduct a variety of missions, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of national military strategy. They also provide essential escort capabilities to Navy and Marine Corps amphibious forces, combat logistics ships and convoys. These multi-mission ships are equipped with the Navy's AEGIS combat weapons system, which combines space-age communication, radar and weapons technologies into a single platform for unlimited flexibility and significant influence while operating "Forward...From the Sea." These destroyers replace older, less capable ships that are being taken out of service as the Navy reduces spending while maintaining quality as part of its overall plan to recapitalize the fleet. The ship's milestones indicate that on January 30, 2004 the Nitze conducted an Aegis light off. On 27 March 2004 the ship was scheduled to be launched and she would be christened on April 17, 2004. Beginning on 27 September 2004, the Nitze is scheduled to begin sea trials, first with Alpha/Bravo Trials, and on October 4, she is scheduled for Charlie Trials. By the end of October 2004, the Nitze is to be turned over to the Navy. The Navy commissioned the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Nitze, during a March 5, 2005 ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. John F. Lehman, former secretary of the Navy, delivered the ceremony's principal address. Elisabeth Scott “Leezee” Porter, the widow of Paul H. Nitze, was the ship’s sponsor.