Maine Fights for the DDG-1000
With rumors of cuts to major weapon systems in the forthcoming Obama defense budget the Maine Congressional and business community are launching a preemptive campaign to protect the Bath Iron Works (BIW) yard in the state. The Kennebec Journal writes that Maine legislators are pressing the Navy to continue production of the DDG-1000 or at least some ship at the yard. The Navy had actually canceled the continued production of the ship after the first two but Congress put pressure on them and a third was ordered. Congress also provided funding to continue the DDG-51 production if necessary. This older AEGIS destroyer was supposed to be followed by the more advanced, stealthy DDG-1000 class. For more on the actual class of ship see this at Naval Technology.com. If Obama does end big programs like the F-22, DDG-1000 and Future Combat System (FCS) be prepared for many reactions like this in Congress.
Matthew Potter works supporting US Army aviation programs. He holds degrees in history as well as studying at the Defense Acquisition University. He has written for Seeking Alpha and at his own website, Defense Procurement News.
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