Bath to continue destroyer support

BATH, Maine, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has given Bath Iron Works a $33.7 million contract to provide ongoing lead yard services for the Arleigh Burke-class AEGIS destroyer program.

The award modifies a contract initially awarded in November 2005.

"The award enables us to continue to provide the Navy and the shipyards with high-quality management, engineering and design services to support affordable implementation of upgrades into the DDG 51 class," said Jeff Geiger, president of Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics.

Bath Iron Works has provided program management, engineering and design support for DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class ships under the lead yard services program since 1987, supplying technical assistance in the interpretation and application of the detailed design developed by BIW, the lead shipyard for the class.

This new award includes work associated with the DDG 51 program continuation and upgrades associated with AEGIS combat systems.

Bath Iron Works, a leader in surface combatant design and construction, employs approximately 5,700 people. Since 1991, BIW has manufactured and delivered 32 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the most technologically advanced surface combatant in the world, to the U.S. Navy.