Bath Iron Works starts fabrication of new Flight III Arleigh Burke destroyer

May 20, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has marked the start of fabrication for the future USS J. William Middendorf (DDG 138), the latest US Navy Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at the company’s Maine shipyard.

The ceremonial first steel-cutting took place on May 19 at Bath Iron Works’ Structural Fabrication Facility, officially launching construction activities for DDG 138. Frances Middendorf, daughter of the ship’s namesake and a sponsor of the vessel, activated the burning machine to cut the first ceremonial steel plate.

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DDG 138 will be the 47th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer constructed by Bath Iron Works and the sixth Flight III variant to enter production at the yard. The Flight III configuration incorporates enhanced air and missile defense capabilities centered around the AN/SPY-6 radar and upgraded combat systems designed to address evolving naval threats.

In a statement released during the ceremony, Bath Iron Works President Charles F. Krugh said the destroyer’s construction would benefit from the “accumulated skill and wisdom” of generations of shipbuilders at the yard.

The vessel is named after J. William Middendorf, a former Navy officer, diplomat and the 62nd U.S. Secretary of the Navy. During his tenure, Middendorf supported major naval modernization programs, including the Trident submarine program and the AEGIS missile system, while also contributing to the development of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft.