A formidable contingent of guided missile destroyers is providing support to the Nimitz carrier strike group (CSG) as it operates in the Arabian Sea.

The Nimitz CSG includes its flagship, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, Carrier Air Wing 17 and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur, USS Gridley, USS Wayne E. Meyer and USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are distinguished by their combination of firepower, flexibility and survivability.

They are built around the Aegis Combat System and the SPY-1D radar, offering integrated air and missile defense, advanced threat tracking and the ability to launch a wide array of missiles.

USS Curtis Wilbur brings significant unmanned aerial system (UAS) expertise. During Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Trident Warrior 2024, the destroyer distinguished itself by experimenting with drones.

USS Gridley meanwhile enhances the group's maritime surveillance and anti-submarine operations. As a Flight IIA subclass of the Arleigh Burke class of destroyers, it operates two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

Each rotorcraft is equipped with early warning sensors and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems, which support surveillance under low-light conditions.

Seahawks also can be outfitted with special electronic warfare systems that help detect and deceive anti-ship missiles. The helicopters can act as scouts, leveraging their advanced radar systems to help locate sub-surface threats.

VLS firepower

USS Wayne E. Meyer, named for the father of the Aegis Combat System, brings substantial firepower through its vertical launching system (VLS).

Each Arleigh Burke-class destroyer comes with a total of 96 VLS cells, enabling each one to launch a diverse range of missiles.

These include the Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) for general air defense, Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) for extended range anti-air purposes and Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), designed to intercept ballistic missiles in midcourse flight.

The VLS is the backbone of destroyers’ layered air and missile defense network.

Like all other Arleigh Burkes, USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee benefits from the advanced Aegis Combat System and SPY-1D radar.

SPY-1D radar provides long-range, multifunction detection across air, surface and subsurface domains, while the Aegis system manages real-time targeting and engagement.

Together, these four destroyers provide the Nimitz CSG with the capability to conduct maritime operations across air, surface and subsurface, tracking threats and ensuring the global reach of the US Navy.