The US Navy’s Huntington Ingalls Industries-built Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, John Finn (DDG 113), has successfully completed its third and final round of sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico.

During the trials, the navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) remained on-board the vessel to examine and evaluate the ship's performance during the acceptance trials.

The destroyer is scheduled to be delivered to the navy by next month, after final outfitting of the vessel.

"The success of DDG 113 acceptance trials moves us one step closer to delivering a quality, state-of-the-art surface combatant."

The navy conducted three sea trials as part of the DDG 51 programme, which is a modernisation effort on the Arleigh Burke-class ships to ensure their mission continuity.

Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding president Brian Cuccias said: “The success of DDG 113 acceptance trials moves us one step closer to delivering a quality, state-of-the-art surface combatant to the US Navy.

“For nearly three decades, the DDG 51 programme has served as the backbone of our shipyard, and today we are proud to continue that legacy.

“Our shipbuilders are eager to show our US Navy customer the positive impact of a skilled workforce and a hot production line can have on the DDG 51 programme.”

Named after the navy’s first Medal of Honor recipient of World War II, USS John Finn will be capable of conducting multi-threat air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously.

The 509ft-long vessel is equipped with an integrated air and missile defence radar to enhance its detection and reaction capabilities against modern air warfare threats, as well as ballistic missile defence.

Powered by four gas turbine engines, the destroyer has a navigational draft of 31ft and can cruise at speeds in excess of 30k.

Image: John Finn (DDG 113) completes acceptance trials. Photo: courtesy of Andrew Young/HII..