US Navy funds DDG 124 destroyer construction

The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics a $644.3 million contract modification for the planning and construction of Harvey C. Barnum (DDG 124) Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

This modification fully funds this ship, which was awarded as part of a multi-year competition for DDG 51 class destroyers awarded in 2013.

The total value of the five-ship contract is approximately $3.4 billion.

Fred Harris, president of Bath Iron Works, said: “This funding will allow us to continue our efforts associated with planning and construction of DDG 124. The men and women of Bath Iron Works are working hard to continuously improve our processes as we contribute to the U.S. Navy’s important shipbuilding programs.”

There are currently four DDG 51 destroyers in production at General Dynamics’ Bath Iron Works: Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) and Carl M. Levin (DDG 120).

The Navy has named DDG 124 the Harvey C. Barnum, Jr., after a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who received the Medal of Honor for valor during the Vietnam War. Colonel Barnum served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs and as Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy.