Ddg 65 Benfold: Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer Specs And History

The United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are a class of destroyers that have been in service since the early 1990s. One of the most notable ships in this class is the USS Benfold (DDG-65). In this article, we will delve into the history and specifications of this impressive warship.

Early History and Design

The USS Benfold (DDG-65) was named after a Medal of Honor recipient, Edward C. Benfold, a hospital corpsman who served during the Korean War. The ship was built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding company in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and was commissioned on March 25, 1996.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers were designed to be multi-mission ships, capable of performing a variety of tasks, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-air warfare, and anti-surface warfare. They were also designed to be highly survivable, with a robust hull and advanced damage control systems.

Specifications

Here are some key specifications of the USS Benfold (DDG-65):

Length: 509 feet (155 meters)
Beam: 59 feet (18 meters)
Draft: 31 feet (9 meters)
Displacement: 9,000 tons
Speed: Over 30 knots (56 km/h)
Crew: 300 officers and enlisted personnel
Armament:
- 1 x 5-inch (127mm) gun
- 2 x 25mm chain guns
- 1 x Phalanx close-in weapon system
- 2 x Mark 41 vertical launch systems (VLS) for Tomahawk and Standard missiles
- 2 x Mark 32 triple torpedo tubes
Propulsion: 4 x General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, 2 x propellers

Combat Systems

The USS Benfold (DDG-65) is equipped with a range of advanced combat systems, including:

Aegis Combat System: a integrated air and missile defense system
AN/SPY-1D radar: a multi-function radar system
Mark 41 VLS: a vertical launch system for Tomahawk and Standard missiles
AN/SQQ-89(V) sonar: a hull-mounted sonar system

Operations and Deployments

The USS Benfold (DDG-65) has been deployed on numerous occasions, including:

1998: Deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Gulf as part of a Middle East Force deployment
2000: Deployed to the Western Pacific as part of a Pacific Fleet deployment
2003: Deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
2010: Deployed to the Western Pacific as part of a Pacific Fleet deployment
2015: Deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Inherent Resolve

Awards and Recognition

The USS Benfold (DDG-65) has received numerous awards and recognition for its service, including:

1998: Awarded the Battle Efficiency Award for its performance during the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf deployment
2000: Awarded the Secretary of the Navy's Safety Excellence Award
2003: Awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for its service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
2010: Awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for its service in the Western Pacific

Modernization and Upgrades

The USS Benfold (DDG-65) has undergone several modernization and upgrades throughout its service life, including:

2004: Underwent a mid-life modernization (MLM) upgrade, which included the installation of new combat systems and upgrades to its propulsion and engineering systems
2012: Underwent a selected restricted availability (SRA) upgrade, which included the installation of new radar and communication systems
2018: Underwent a major maintenance period, which included repairs and upgrades to its propulsion and engineering systems

Conclusion

The USS Benfold (DDG-65) is a highly advanced and capable warship that has served the United States Navy with distinction. With its advanced combat systems and robust hull, it is well-suited to perform a variety of tasks, from anti-submarine warfare to anti-air warfare. As the US Navy continues to evolve and modernize its fleet, the USS Benfold (DDG-65) remains an important part of its operations.