[Post by Chuck Krugh, July 3, 2023]
I had the opportunity to attend USS Carl M. Levin (DDG 120) commissioning events on Friday and Saturday (June 23 – 24) in Baltimore. I was proud to be there, representing our shipbuilders on the day our Bath-built ship was accepted into the U.S. Navy fleet.
The ship looked great sitting at the pier and was decked out with red, white and blue bunting on her rails and stanchions. As I sat on the mid ship waiting to give my remarks, I looked around and couldn’t help but think about the hours; craftsmanship of all our trades; blood, sweat and tears; and the spirit that all of you infused into the USS Carl M. Levin. The ship truly felt alive and no longer a construction project. I wish you all could have been there…
I thought you may like to see my remarks at this historic commissioning event. I spoke after Baltimore Deputy Mayor Justin Williams and was followed by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday.
My remarks:
Good morning!
Distinguished Guests,
CDR Craft and Crew of the Carl M. Levin,
Family and Friends,
I am honored to represent the seven thousand men and women of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. This ship represents another chapter in our company’s 139-year legacy and is the latest chapter in four centuries of shipbuilding along the banks of the Kennebec River in Maine.
Ships built in our city of Bath have developed a reputation among the Sailors who’ve served on them: Bath Built is Best Built.
We strive to be worthy of the reputation of a Bath-Built ship, by demonstrating our commitment to Safely Executing High-Quality Work each day and every day.
This is the 38th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built by Bath Iron Works. Producing these magnificent ships takes hundreds of thousands of hours of Engineering, Design and Planning; Shipfitting and Welding; installation of Pipe, Cable, Ventilation and Insulation; thousands of gallons of paint; a robust test and activation crew; partnerships with world-class systems manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Electric, Rolls Royce; and the Supervisor of Shipbuilding to inspect and accept the ship on behalf of the Navy.
I had the opportunity to watch this ship transform from a very complex build project into an Arleigh Burke destroyer. It was most pronounced when our team sailed away on sea trials. It was an amazing, almost indescribable transformation that happened in the blink of an eye!
Most of the members of our shipbuilding family could not be with us today in person. To all the men and women who put their heart and soul into this incredible and complex ship, we salute you for your commitment to your craft. It is my privilege to represent you today as we present this Bath-Built ship for its commissioning.
This ship represents a tremendous investment in the safety and security of our future and I have great confidence that this ship, in the hands of our U.S. Navy Sailors, will excel in its mission, protecting our country and our families.
Godspeed USS Carl M. Levin.
Thank you.
And thanks to each of you for everything that you do to make sure we keep America strong and protecting our families.
See you on the deckplates!
Safely Execute High-Quality Work
Chuck
President, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works
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