The appropriation would accelerates the start of construction of the DD(X) in 2006, a full year earlier than the Administration's budget had proposed. The funds for BIW represent the first installment for construction of the shipyard's first DD(X), which is the next generation of destroyers to which the US Navy is transitioning.
"These funds will help accelerate the next generation DD(X) program as the DDG program comes to an end," said Senator Collins. "The funds for BIW's first DD(X) project will now come in 2006, a year that initially did not include any funding for any surface combatant construction. I will continue to work to ensure that there is no "gap" in projects for BIW as the Navy transitions to this new generation of ships."
The legislation also provides full funding, at a level of $3.5 billion, for the construction of three DDG-51s. Two of the DDG-51s will be built by BIW. In addition, the bill fully funds, at a level of $352 million, the Littoral Combat Ship program. A General Dynamics-led team has won one of two contracts for the development of the LCS, ensuring that design work will be done at BIW.
"This commitment to projects at Bath Iron Works proves once again that the shipyard plays an important role in our national security," Senator Collins said. "This work is critical to the highly skilled workers at BIW to ensure that they maintain their crucial involvement in the Navy's destroyer program."
The full Senate must now vote on the Defense Appropriations bill.
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