I have the USS Cole version of the same kit ... 1/350, right? I think it's a pretty good kit overall, but some of the details are overdone, like the studs all along the sides of the hull. You should pre-fit parts carefully before you glue to see where gaps will be and trim edges for a closer fit. The hardest part (I'm not done yet) was getting the three decks sections to fit correctly in the hull. It's bent a little inwards on both sides towards the center and the angled edges are hard to line up while you set the rubber bands or holding tape. Another fit challenge was mating the forward bridgework to the hull. The sides tend to overhang the hull edge and need trimming.
Last thing ... which I haven't gotten to yet ... is that the etched railings in the kit are steel, not brass. You'll need to find a way to cut these off the sheet without bending them too much because they are really hard to cut. Last complaint ... therre are ugly raised lines to show deck decal placement and you may want to shave them down a lot before you get too far into your build.
"Other than that, Mr. Lincoln, how did you like the play?"