U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and the Pentagon announced the Bath Iron Works (BIW) production facility has been certified, clearing the way for the facility to be used for the production of a guided missile destroyer.
Collins, chair of the Appropriations Committee, said she has long advocated for two ships in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to be built at BIW. After a comprehensive, due diligence review, the Pentagon has determined that improvements at the General Dynamics operated BIW have established the capacity and stability to support the construction of a second guided-missile destroyer, she said.
“Our national security requires an industrial base that can respond to demands for increased speed and volume,” Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg said. “After a rigorous review, Bath Iron Works has proven it has the capacity and stability to support construction of a second destroyer. 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. The Department will continue to partner with contractors who prioritize execution, accountability, and the rapid modernization of our forces.”
Collins said the decision by the DoW validates the capacity of the facility to handle the shipbuilding.
“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.”