Former Senator Sam Nunn Visits Shipyard for Update on Namesake Destroyer

The future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) is a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer being built at Ingalls Shipbuilding.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:00pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life photograph of a polished, metallic model of the future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) destroyer floating on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the ship's advanced capabilities and its role in national defense.A model of the future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) destroyer, which will carry the name of the former senator and honor his legacy of strengthening America's defense and advancing global security.Pascagoula Today

Former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, along with his wife Colleen and daughter Michelle, recently visited Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi to receive an update on the construction progress of the future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133), a Navy destroyer named in his honor. The visit marked their return to the shipyard since the ship's keel authentication ceremony.

Why it matters

The future USS Sam Nunn will carry the name of one of the nation's most influential voices on defense policy during his 24 years in the Senate. The ship will honor Nunn's legacy of strengthening America's defense and advancing global security through initiatives like the Department of Defense Reorganization Act and the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program.

The details

During the visit, Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette highlighted the progress being made on DDG 133, which is the fifth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at the shipyard. The Flight III destroyers incorporate significant design and system upgrades, including the AN/SPY 6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System, that enhance the U.S. Navy's integrated air and missile defense capabilities.

  • The visit took place on April 3, 2026.
  • The keel authentication ceremony for the future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) was held previously.

The players

Sam Nunn

A former U.S. Senator who became one of the nation's most influential voices on defense policy during his 24 years in the Senate. He spearheaded major initiatives including the Department of Defense Reorganization Act and the Nunn‑Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program.

Colleen Nunn

The wife of former Senator Sam Nunn.

Michelle Nunn

The daughter of former Senator Sam Nunn and the ship sponsor for the future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133).

Brian Blanchette

The President of Ingalls Shipbuilding.

HII

America's largest shipbuilder, delivering the world's most powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers.

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What they’re saying

“It was an honor to welcome Sen. Nunn and Michelle Nunn to Ingalls to see first-hand the progress taking place on DDG 133 and to highlight the ship's advancing construction path toward launch. Our shipbuilders take tremendous pride in building a ship that will carry Sen. Nunn's name and his legacy of enduring commitment to national defense.”

— Brian Blanchette, President, Ingalls Shipbuilding

“It is exciting and deeply humbling to see this powerful destroyer taking shape and to witness the exceptional craftsmanship of the Ingalls team. I am grateful for the vital role Ingalls plays in ensuring our nation's strength and readiness.”

— Sam Nunn

What’s next

The future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) will continue its construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding, with plans for its eventual launch and commissioning into the U.S. Navy fleet.

The takeaway

The visit by former Senator Sam Nunn and his family highlights the significance of the future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) and the important role that Ingalls Shipbuilding plays in building the U.S. Navy's fleet of advanced Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which are critical to maintaining America's naval superiority and global security.