America's largest and most technologically sophisticated destroyer will join the Navy with a crew that is the smallest of any destroyer built since the 1930s thanks to extensive automation.

The stealthy Zumwalt departed on Wednesday from Bath Iron Works to head to its commissioning ceremony with a crew of 147 officers and sailors that was praised by their skipper for their preparation over the past three years to get the first-in-class warship ready for duty.

"On this ship, teamwork is at a premium. The three things this crew exemplifies is high level of technical expertise, great teamwork and then the toughness to get done what needs to get done," Navy Capt James Kirk said before the ship manoeuvered down the Kennebec River to sea.