Pentagon Certifies Bath Iron Works to Build Additional Arleigh Burke Destroyer This Fiscal Year
The Pentagon has approved Bath Iron Works to construct a second Arleigh Burke-class destroyer this fiscal year, subject to Congress providing the funds.
After a detailed assessment of Bath Iron Works, the Pentagon confirmed the shipyard’s ability to build an additional Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer this fiscal year, provided Congress allocates the money. The move follows persistent lobbying by Maine’s congressional delegation, with Senator Susan Collins leading the effort to secure a second destroyer in the budget. Collins praised the shipyard’s recent operational improvements and its role as a major Maine employer.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg echoed the sentiment, saying the yard has demonstrated the capacity to handle increased production speed and volume. Bath Iron Works President Charles Krugh thanked the senator and emphasized that the shipyard’s enhancements are accelerating delivery of critical warships. The certification aims to strengthen the Navy’s fleet amid growing Chinese naval expansion while supporting high-paying jobs in the region.
Why it matters
Funding the shipyard bolsters U.S. naval strength and preserves well-paying jobs in Maine.
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