Geiger said, “Winning this work is a result
of our commitment to operational excellence and to finding more efficient,
affordable ways to operate in every part of our business. It gives
us the opportunity to continue introducing new and innovative ways
to build capable ships for the Navy.”
“We appreciate all the support the Maine Congressional
delegation has provided to this program. Their commitment to national
defense and their advocacy on behalf of the workers of Maine has been
a crucial factor,” Geiger said.
The first ship in the class, DDG-1000, is over 50
percent complete and is scheduled to be delivered in 2014. The DDG-1000
Zumwalt-class destroyer is the U.S. Navy’s next-generation,
guided-missile naval destroyer, leading the way for a new generation
of advanced multi-mission surface combat ships. The ships will feature
a low radar profile, an integrated power system and a total ship computing
environment infrastructure. Armed with an array of weapons, the Zumwalt-class
destroyers will provide offensive, distributed and precision fires
in support of forces ashore.
Work is already underway at the Bath, Maine, shipyard
on DDG 1001 and DDG 1002. Congress previously approved funding for
advanced procurement and initial construction of these ships. Bath
Iron Works is the lead designer and builder for the program which
employs approximately 5,400 people.
