The U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley has arrived at HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane for a routine port visit.
The Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA Aegis destroyer is a frequent presence in Europe as part of the United States’ commitment to NATO and regional maritime security.
The visit comes after Bulkeley’s recent operational deployments, including her involvement in intercepting Iranian missile strikes targeting Israel in October 2024, where she employed SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors.
Commissioned in December 2001, USS Bulkeley is named after Vice Admiral John D. Bulkeley, a Medal of Honor recipient famed for his heroism during World War II. She was the 15th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
The warship is heavily armed and highly capable, equipped with:
- A 96-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System capable of firing a wide range of missiles including Tomahawk cruise missiles, Standard surface-to-air missiles (SM-2, SM-6), anti-submarine rockets, and the RIM-161 anti-ballistic missile.
- A 5-inch/62 calibre Mk 45 naval gun, Phalanx CIWS, SeaRAM, and multiple .50 calibre and 25mm machine guns.
- Triple torpedo tubes launching Mk 46, Mk 50, or Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes.
- Two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, enhancing anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities.
USS Bulkeley’s arrival at Faslane is considered routine, with no unusual circumstances reported. However, her presence is a clear reminder of the U.S. Navy’s enduring presence and rapid response capability in European waters. The visit also underscores the strategic importance of Faslane as a port capable of supporting high-readiness allied warships.
The ship’s previous commanding officer, Carlos Del Toro, served as the 78th Secretary of the Navy.
Shes here for exercise Formidable Shield.
The problem is the expenditure rate of the missiles and the expenses of said missile systems – very expensive!
With only 48 Aster 30s and 24 CAMMs, how long do you suppose a Daring-class would last in combat before it needs to leave to re-arm?
“Freedoms Torch”
That’s the ship’s motto in case this also gets deleted.
Are we charging it for moorings. Can we apply any tariff or are they free to come and go to the 52 state for nothing
We should certainly do that until the lying orange buffoon departs office (signed a Faslane operator)
Could someone pass on to the captain of the USS Bulkeley, that they are too late and Prince of Wales carrier group has already departed… if she is quick she could catch up for a fun filled 8 month adventure…
The pic is a file photo, the Bulkeley has since been upgraded with the SPQ-9B X-band radar, the newer SLQ-32(V)6 Electronic Warfare suite, and a lot of things internally.
Hey guys don’t mix the military service up with that orange baboon if you had served in any military service you would know we don’t get mixed up in politics.