Bath Iron Works announced Thursday that the Navy had awarded the shipyard funding to plan and construct two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

“These contracts help to stabilize our business and are welcome news. We are grateful to Maine’s congressional delegation and Navy Secretary Spencer for their efforts and leadership,” said President of Bath Iron Works Dirk Lesko.

DDG 126, a Flight IIA destroyer, was awarded as part of a multi-year competition. DDG 127, however, was approved in separate legislation and will be a Flight III destroyer. Funding for the additional destroyer was secured by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee. The final portion of funding for that destroyer was approved by the Senate earlier this year.

“These contracts to construct two new DDG-51 class destroyers in Bath demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to BIW and its confidence in the highly skilled, hard-working employees at the shipyard. There is no workforce in the world better positioned to build these ships,” said Sens. Collins and Angus King, I-Maine, and Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, in a joint statement. “As the workhorses of the Navy, destroyers’ ability to deliver capability and presence has been demonstrated many times over. These ships will strengthen our naval fleet and allow the Navy to promote stability and security in the face of proliferating threats around the globe.”

There are currently four DDG 51 destroyers in various stages of production at BIW: Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), Carl M. Levin (DDG 120) and John Basilone (DDG 122). DDG 126 will be named the Louis H. Wilson, Jr., after the 26th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, who was a World War II recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Guam. DDG 127 has not yet been named.

Spencer is scheduled to visit BIW at the invitation of Collins and King Friday morning.

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