Ingalls Shipbuilding prepares to christen future USS George M. Neal

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV)- A major milestone is set for Ingalls Shipbuilding this weekend as the future USS George M. Neal prepares for its official christening.

WXXV News 25’s Asia Ellis has a preview of the ceremony and the legacy behind the name.

Behind the scenes at Ingalls Shipbuilding, the final details are coming together for the christening of the future USS George M. Neal, a new flight III Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer that will soon join the U.S. Navy’s fleet. Ingalls Program Manager Chris Brown said, “It takes a lot of hard work, sweat, and determination to get to this point in construction. The way we build these ships from the ground up, one grand block at a time. When we’re all done and we get to where we are now, we’re celebrating the launch of the ship with the most powerful naval radar that the Navy puts on a surface combatant and a very proven combat system that is guns, missiles, etc.”

The ship is named after George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions under enemy fire. His daughter, Kelley Neal Gray, will carry on his legacy as the ship’s sponsor, breaking the traditional bottle to official christen the ship. “Although he didn’t talk about his service much, I believe him being a prisoner of war for two and a half years was really traumatic for him. I just believe he would be very honored and humble. Just being the sponsor for the ship, I take the responsibility wholeheartedly.”

With five Flight III destroyers currently under construction, Ingalls is helping deliver the Navy’s next generation of warships, designed to support future missions, and challenges.

The final preparations are underway. Saturday’s christening will honor the legacy behind the name.