USS WINSTON S CHURCHILL

The mission of the USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (DDG-81) is to be prepared to conduct prompt combat operations at sea. DDG-81 is equipped to operate in a high density, multi-threat environment either independantly or as an integral member of a Carrier Battle Group or a Surface Action Group. In addition to self-defense capabilities in Air Warfare (AW), Surface Warfare (SW), and Undersea Warfare (USW), WINSTON S. CHURCHILL can effectively provide local area protection to other ships in a battle group. WINSTON S. CHURCHILL is the most sophisticated and capable surface combatante ever built. DDG-81 employs an AN/SPY-1D phased array radar, which incorporates significant advances in the detection capabilities of the AEGIS Weapon System, particularly in resistance to enemy electronic countermeasure (ECM). Using the SPY-1D and the MK 99 Fire Control System, WINSTON S. CHURCHILL can guide vertically launched missiles at extended ranges. To provide point defense against hostile air targets, WINSTON S. CHURCHILL is equipped with the PHALANX Close-In Weapons System (CIWS).

Propelled by four, quick response General Electric LM2500 Gas Turbine Engines couple with two Controllable Pitch propellers, WINSTON S. CHURCHILL has tremendous maneuverability and a top speek of 31 knots. Three Allison 501k Gas Turbine Generators provide the ship with up to 7500kw of electrical power to the ship. WINSTON S. CHURCHILL can make up to 24,000 gallons of fresh potable water through two revers osmosis distillers per day. WINSTON S. CHURCHILL matches maximum survivability with her potent offensive capability. All steel construction is used in the ARLEIGH BURKE class destroyer. Extensive topside armoris placed around all vital combat systems and machinery spaces while the larger plane area hull form significantly improves sea keeping ability. Acoustic, infrared and radar signatures are reduced and vital shipboard systems have been hardened against chemical, biological and radilogical agents. State-of-the art propulsion and damage control systems are managed by Fiber Optics Data Multiplexing Systems (FODMS) with built-in redundancy for increased survivability.

Home to a crew of more than 25 officers, 28 Chief Petty Officers, and 300 sailors, WINSTON S. CHURCHILL offers most services associated with a small town, including dining, banking, ATM, laundry, postal, barber, two fitness centers, library resources and shopping facilities while maintaining more than 10,000 spare parts. WINSTON S. CHURCHILL is a powerful weapon, capable of staying at sea for months at a time. The best technology combined with an outstanding crew makes WINSTON S. CHURCHILL the premier warship designed to carry out the U.S. Navy's mission today and well into the 21st century.