The Department of War on Oct. 12 certified General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, as able to support construction of a second Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. The certification does not award the shipyard another vessel; construction remains contingent on Congress providing funding.
What it means
The Department of War’s review examined production throughput, schedule adherence, quality assurance, supply-chain resilience and workforce management. It found that operational and management improvements allowed Bath Iron Works to take on an additional destroyer while completing its existing work.
Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg said the shipyard demonstrated the capacity and stability needed for a second destroyer. The action supports efforts to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity through shipyard modernization, workforce development and procurement-process changes.
Key facts
- The Department of War issued the certification on Oct. 12.
- The potential additional vessel is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.
- Congressional funding is required before construction can proceed.
- The review covered five areas, including production, quality, supply chains and workforce management.
- Bath Iron Works employs about 6,800 people, according to Sen. Susan Collins.
- Adm. Daryl Caudle, John Perryman, Sens. Collins and Angus King toured the shipyard on April 9.
Source: Department of War certification announcement