05/30/2026
USS Porter DDG-78 was built to fight in the world's most dangerous waters. Powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines producing over 100,000 shaft horsepower, she can exceed 30 knots. Armed with 90 Mk 41 VLS cells carrying Tomahawk, SM-2, ESSM, and ASROC missiles, plus a 5-inch gun, torpedoes, and CIWS defenses. Unit cost was about $1 billion, with annual maintenance estimated near $60 million.
USS Porter has spent years operating near conflict zones, supporting NATO missions and missile defense patrols. In 2017, she launched Tomahawk cruise missiles against a Syrian airbase during a major U.S. military strike. Her crew has repeatedly deployed to high-tension regions where a single mistake could trigger international crisis. Porter remains one of the most active destroyers of her generation, constantly ready for combat operations.