Northrop Grumman Corporation delivered its newest warship, Mustin (DDG 89) today, to the U.S. Navy. The latest ship is the 18th Aegis-guided missile destroyer built by the company's Ship Systems sector. "This occasion is particularly poignant because this great Aegis destroyer, Mustin, will enter into service at a time when her country needs her most," said Bob Merchant, DDG 51 program vice president. "These men and women have delivered incredible quality in the Aegis destroyer program for a quarter century here in Pascagoula. Representing the Navy was Capt. Phil Johnson, USN, supervisor of shipbuilding, conversion and repair, Pascagoula. "In December 2002, we took the ship out on sea trials. It was a fabulous trial," Johnson said.