The U.S.S. Michael Murphy, an Arleigh Burke destroyer built at Bath Iron Works.
Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin say a major defense bill contains funding the two pushed for that could result in the construction of a new destroyer at Bath Iron Works. The version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) agreed to by House and Senate negotiators this week includes a provision to provide $400 million in initial funding for construction of an additional Arleigh Burke class destroyer. Pingree and Poliquin had pushed negotiators to include the funding.
In 2002 the Navy, BIW and Northrup Grumman signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would award a contract for construction of an additional DDG-51 destroyer to BIW if the Huntington Ingalls Shipyard in Mississippi was awarded a deal to build an additional amphibious transport ship (LPD-17) for the Marine Corps.
After Pentagon officials indicated they wanted to build the new amphibious ship, Pingree and Poliquin both argued that the 2002 agreement was still ineffect and should trigger additional construction at BIW.
"This is good news for BIW," Pingree said. "The 2002 deal clearly means that Bath should get another ship if Huntington Ingalls gets a contract for a new LPD. And putting the funding for another ship in the NDAA is an important step in the right direction."
“The hard-working men and women of Bath Iron Works make the most advanced naval ships the world has ever seen,” said Poliquin. “I’m pleased to see this important funding was included in the final version of the NDAA as it is terrific news for BIW and the State of Maine.”
In April, Pingree and Poliquin wrote to the House Armed Services Committee on this issue, urging them to authorize and fund the new destroyer.
The NDAA is expected to be voted on in the House later this week.
