General Dynamics Bath Iron Works celebrated the start of fabrication of the future USS John E. Kilmer (DDG 134) Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Structural Fabrication Facility in East Brunswick. Charles Krugh, President of Bath Iron Works, said the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers under construction at BIW are critical assets for the U.S. Navy in performing its mission. “The future USS John E. Kilmer will be an important platform for the Navy to provide for the security of our country and our families. By safely executing high quality work we will deliver a ship that meets our reputation – Bath Built is Best Built.” Les Waltz, who has been with BIW for 59 years, was selected to activate the burning machine to cut the first steel for the ship.
