Pentagon clears the way for Bath Iron Works to build destroyer
Washington — The Department of Defense has approved Bath Iron Works’ request to construct a second Arleigh Burke‑class guided‑missile destroyer for the current fiscal year, a move that follows a concerted effort by Maine’s congressional delegation to secure additional shipbuilding funding.
Senator Susan Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the Pentagon’s assessment confirmed that the Bath yard has made “significant improvements” and is capable of delivering another vessel while maintaining its existing production schedule. “I have advocated for a second destroyer to be included in this year’s budget, and I worked with the administration during its careful review and repeated visits to BIW to verify the ability of the shipyard to construct another ship while continuing to complete its current workload,” Collins said. “This certification will help keep our Navy strong and support BIW as a steady source of good‑paying Maine jobs. I will continue to work to ensure our shipbuilders have the resources to meet the Navy’s needs at a time when China is relentlessly expanding its fleet.”
The push for an extra destroyer originated from a disagreement over the administration’s original plan, which called for a single ship to be built at a competing shipyard. Maine’s lawmakers argued that the region’s workforce and infrastructure could support a larger output, a point underscored by a July meeting between Collins and Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg. A Pentagon team subsequently toured the Bath facility to evaluate its capabilities.
Feinberg, in a separate statement, praised the yard’s progress but cautioned that sustained performance remains essential. “While the operational improvements we have seen at BIW are a significant step in the right direction, the shipyard must continue this momentum to fully resolve legacy production challenges — sustained performance is essential,” he said. “The department will continue to partner with contractors who prioritize execution, accountability, and the rapid modernization of our forces.”
Charles Krugh, president of Bath Iron Works, expressed gratitude for the administration’s recognition of the yard’s advancements. “At a time when our nation urgently needs more surface combatants and is even looking to shipyards overseas, this American shipyard is answering that call, delivering each destroyer to the Navy faster than the last. The announcement makes it clear that we are succeeding in our efforts to improve shipbuilding and that is leading to more work — which is good for the business and good for each and every one of us who works here,” he said. He added that recent upgrades to the building process, production scheduling, and the skill level of the workforce have collectively accelerated ship delivery.
The approval not only bolsters the Navy’s fleet posture amid growing maritime competition but also reinforces a major employer in Maine, promising continued high‑wage jobs for the region’s workforce. As the Pentagon prepares to incorporate the additional destroyer into its procurement plan, the collaboration between the defense department, congressional leaders, and the shipyard highlights a shared commitment to strengthening national security while supporting local industry.
