Bath Iron Works Lays Keel for 25th Arleigh Burke Destroyer
NAVSEA News Wire
Release Date: 12 May 2003
By Chief Journalist David Nagle, Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs
BATH, Maine -- Bath Iron Works (BIW) laid the keel on May 7 for the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Bainbridge (DDG 96), the 25th such ship to be constructed at the Maine shipyard The last time BIW constructed this many hulls of a ship class was during World War II.
Bainbridge will honor the outstanding and heroic service of Commodore William Bainbridge who served in the Navy from 1789-1833. Named for the Navy's first destroyer (DD 1) introduced in 1902, Bainbridge also commemorates the centennial of the Navy destroyer.
"When you look at this keel unit, it is easy to see the quality and craftsmanship that has been built in her by this talented workforce," said Capt. John Ingram, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair Bath at the keel laying ceremony. "In my opinion, the ship's namesake, a noted shipbuilder, would approve and I look forward to the day when Bainbridge once more joins our Navy fleet."
The Navy has previously named four ships in honor of Bainbridge, including the 259 ton brig USS Bainbridge (1842-1863), USS Bainbridge (Destroyer # 1), 1902-1920; another destroyer USS Bainbridge (DD 246), 1921-1945; and the nuclear powered cruiser USS Bainbridge (DLGN 25, later CGN 25), 1962-1997.
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