The Department of War has certified that General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has the production capacity to support construction of a second guided-missile destroyer, contingent on congressional funding.
The Oct. 12 decision followed a review of production throughput, schedule adherence, quality assurance, supply chain resilience and workforce management at the Bath, Maine, shipyard. The department said operational and management improvements demonstrated that BIW could take on an additional Arleigh Burke-class destroyer while completing its existing workload.
The certification does not award the shipyard another destroyer. Construction would depend on Congress providing the necessary funding.
“After a rigorous review, Bath Iron Works has proven it has the capacity and stability to support construction of a second destroyer,” Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg said. “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.”
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she has advocated for including a second destroyer in the budget and worked with the administration during its review, which included repeated visits to the shipyard. BIW employs about 6,800 people, according to Collins.
“This certification will help keep our Navy strong and support BIW as a steady source of good-paying Maine jobs,” Collins said.
The department said the decision supports a broader effort to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity through shipyard modernization, workforce development and changes to procurement processes.
