US Navy Destroyer Heads Home from Japan for Midlife Modernization

The U.S. Navy 7th Fleet’s USS McCampbell (DDG 85) is returning to the United States after 13 years at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, for midlife modernization.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer departed Japan for Portland, Oregon, on July 2.

On Monday, the Navy awarded Vigor Marine a $133.4 million contract to prepare for and accomplish repair and alteration requirements for USS McCampbell chief of naval operations scheduled depot maintenance availability. Work is expected to be completed by November 2021.

USS McCampbell will receive comprehensive modernization for DDG 51 class ships to ensure a mission relevant service life. These improvements will include hull, mechanical and electrical technology insertion; as well as provide critical warfighting improvements, such as upgraded machinery control system, integrated bridge and navigation system (to include physical throttles); advanced galley upgrade; wireless communications and digital video surveillance system upgrade; upgrade to a fiber optic local area network backbone; AEGIS baseline 9 upgrade (that includes updated guns weapons system); enhanced Vertical Launching System; multi-mission signal processor; and Ballistic Missile Defense 5.0 upgrade.

Following routine maintenance and system upgrades, McCampbell will proceed to Naval Station Everett, Washington, where it will be homeported.