Boeing has announced that it has installed the first Gigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex System (GEDMS) on the USS Spruance (DDG 111), a newly constructed Arleigh Burke-Class guided-missile destroyer.

GEDMS is a data transfer network that provides a highly reliable, redundant, mission-critical network backbone to any ship in the U.S. Navy inventory. The Spruance was commissioned Oct. 1 during a ceremony at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla.

"Inclusion of GEDMS in the Navy's DDG modernization program highlights the continued confidence the Navy has in our ability to provide innovative and advanced solutions to the fleet," said Chris Devine, director of Information Dominance for Boeing subsidiary Argon ST.

"Commissioning of the USS Spruance marks the successful completion of nearly two years of hard work and dedication by Argon in cooperation with the U.S. Navy."

The Spruance is the first combat-ready destroyer to be outfitted with GEDMS as part of the Navy's ongoing modernization effort. The ship is designed to operate in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.

GEDMS, the most recent upgrade to the Data Multiplex System (DMS) family of networks, offers enhanced network communication capabilities by providing an IP-based backbone that supports multimedia services such as video and data.

GEDMS provides increased capabilities to support data transfer for the upgraded hull, mechanical, and electrical systems introduced into the fleet with DDG 111.

Additional benefits include manpower reduction and increased crew safety by using video and sensors for monitoring of remote or confined spaces.

"The fielding of GEDMS marks a significant milestone in providing a maintainable, highly reliable and survivable mission critical network that supports the new threats and enhanced missions that our destroyers must meet," said Henry Hubbard, U.S. Navy GEDMS program manager.

In September 1989, Boeing delivered the first DMS system to the Navy for installation aboard the USS Arleigh Burke, the namesake for the DDG 51 class destroyer.

As the DDG new ship construction continued, the DMS was upgraded to a Fiber Optic Data Multiplex System to support evolving needs.

In August 2010, the Navy replaced the copper-based DMS systems installed on the Arleigh Burke and the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) with the high performing GEDMS, the latest variant in the DMS family of networks.

Design and maintenance support for the DMS networks are provided by Argon ST, located in Huntington Beach, Calif.

The Navy successfully completed sea trials and testing of GEDMS on the Spruance in March. The ship's home port will be San Diego.