Introduction to the USS Benfold DDG 65
The USS Benfold (DDG-65) is a Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy. The ship is named after Edward C. Benfold, a United States Navy hospital corpsman who was posthumously awarded the Médaille militaire and the Navy Cross for his heroism during the Korean War. The USS Benfold was commissioned on March 30, 1996, and has since been involved in various operations and missions around the world.
Design and Features
The USS Benfold is equipped with Aegis Combat System, which provides the ship with advanced radar and missile guidance capabilities. The ship is also armed with a variety of weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and Phalanx close-in weapon systems. The USS Benfold has a length of 505 feet (154 meters) and a beam of 66 feet (20 meters), with a displacement of approximately 9,200 tons. The ship is powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, which provide a total of 100,000 horsepower.
Operations and Missions
The USS Benfold has been involved in various operations and missions throughout its service. Some of the notable operations include: * Operation Enduring Freedom: The USS Benfold participated in this operation in 2002, providing support for coalition forces in Afghanistan. * Operation Iraqi Freedom: The USS Benfold was deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2003, where it provided support for coalition forces during the Iraq War. * Operation Tomodachi: The USS Benfold was deployed to Japan in 2011, where it provided support for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. * Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise: The USS Benfold has participated in several RIMPAC exercises, which are designed to promote maritime cooperation and interoperability among Pacific Rim nations.
Crew and Training
The USS Benfold has a crew of approximately 330 personnel, including officers and enlisted sailors. The crew undergoes rigorous training to ensure that they are prepared to handle a variety of scenarios, including combat operations and humanitarian assistance. The ship’s crew is also trained to operate and maintain the ship’s advanced systems, including the Aegis Combat System and the Phalanx close-in weapon system.
Modernization and Upgrades
The USS Benfold has undergone several modernization and upgrade programs to ensure that it remains effective and capable in its role. Some of the notable upgrades include: * Aegis Combat System upgrade: The USS Benfold underwent an upgrade to its Aegis Combat System in 2015, which improved the ship’s radar and missile guidance capabilities. * Phalanx close-in weapon system upgrade: The USS Benfold underwent an upgrade to its Phalanx close-in weapon system in 2017, which improved the ship’s ability to defend against anti-ship missiles and other threats. * Tomahawk cruise missile upgrade: The USS Benfold underwent an upgrade to its Tomahawk cruise missile system in 2019, which improved the ship’s ability to conduct land-attack missions.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 505 feet (154 meters) |
| Beam | 66 feet (20 meters) |
| Displacement | approximately 9,200 tons |
| Power plant | four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines |
| Speed | over 30 knots (56 km/h) |
🚨 Note: The USS Benfold is a highly advanced and capable warship, and its specifications and capabilities are subject to change as new technologies and upgrades become available.
The USS Benfold is an important part of the United States Navy’s fleet, providing advanced capabilities and support for a variety of missions and operations. With its advanced systems and highly trained crew, the USS Benfold is a formidable asset for the Navy and a key player in maintaining maritime security and stability around the world.
In summary, the USS Benfold is a Arleigh Burke-class destroyer that has been involved in various operations and missions throughout its service. The ship is equipped with advanced systems, including the Aegis Combat System and the Phalanx close-in weapon system, and has a highly trained crew. The USS Benfold has undergone several modernization and upgrade programs to ensure that it remains effective and capable in its role, and it continues to play an important part in maintaining maritime security and stability around the world.
What is the USS Benfold’s primary mission?
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The USS Benfold’s primary mission is to provide advanced capabilities and support for a variety of missions and operations, including combat operations and humanitarian assistance.
What is the Aegis Combat System?
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The Aegis Combat System is an advanced radar and missile guidance system that provides the USS Benfold with enhanced capabilities for air defense and missile defense.
What is the Phalanx close-in weapon system?
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The Phalanx close-in weapon system is a point-defense system that provides the USS Benfold with enhanced capabilities for defending against anti-ship missiles and other threats.
