The world’s largest destroyer, the stealthy Zumwalt, departed Bath Iron Works on Wednesday for Acceptance trials with the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey, according to Public Affairs Officer Matthew Leonard at Naval Sea Systems Command.

“While underway, many of the ship’s key systems and technologies including navigation, propulsion readiness, auxiliary systems, habitability, fire protection and damage control capabilities will be demonstrated to ensure they meet the Navy’s requirements,” he said in an email.

In addition, INSURV will be inspecting the ship’s engineering and control systems, damage control and food service and crew support, Leonard said.

Following the Builder’s trials, which were conducted in mid-March, the Acceptance trials are the second set of official trials required prior to the vessel’s delivery.

“Acceptance trials are the last significant shipbuilding milestone before delivery of the ship to the U.S. Navy, which is planned for next month,” Leonard said.

Earlier this year, Navy officials had said delivery of the Zumwalt to the Navy was slated for April.

Leonard said on Wednesday that delivery is expected after successful trials, which includes fully capable hull maintenance and electrical systems, while the ship is scheduled to be commissioned on Oct. 15.

“Following HM&E delivery and a brief crew certification period at Bath Iron Works, the ship will sail to Baltimore for commissioning and then transit to its homeport in San Diego where Mission Systems Activation will occur,” he said. “Initial operating capability is planned for 2019.”

The vessel also underwent Alpha trials in December, allowing the Bath shipyard to test systems and areas on the ship that needed more work.

“Following successful Alpha trials last December and Builder’s trials last month, BIW is proud to bring DDG-1000 to sea again today for Acceptance trials,” BIW spokesman Matt Wickenheiser said Wednesday.

First in its class, the Zumwalt is expected to cost the Navy around $3.8 billion, according to an April 15 Bloomberg article. When combined with the cost of the other two vessels, one-time expenditures, outfitting and post-delivery fees, procurement costs are estimated at $13.2 billion, the report said.

dkim@timesrecord.com

Pricey ships

• FIRST IN ITS CLASS, the Zumwalt is expected to cost the Navy around $3.8 billion, according to an April 15 Bloomberg article. When combined with the cost of the other two vessels, one-time expenditures, outfitting and postdelivery fees, procurement costs are estimated at $13.2 billion.

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