Monday, October 21, 2013

Navy's largest destroyer to be launched in Bath, Maine // Stars & Stripes

The Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, in its cradle at Bath, Maine
BIW - Bath Iron Works - on the Kennebec River is Maine's largest private employer.  They seem to discriminate in favor of guys with pick-up trucks, on the evidence of their big, full parking lot.
The yard's giant cranes tower above the river, making a spectacular view from the high bridge.  The Zumwalt - a new high-tech destroyer was built there.  Launch is imminent.  - GWC
Navy's largest destroyer is going into the water in Maine - Stars & Stripes:
by David Sharp// Associated Press

"BATH, Maine — After embarrassing troubles with its latest class of surface warships, the Navy is hoping for a winner from a new destroyer that's ready to go into the water.

So far, construction of the first-in-class Zumwalt, the largest U.S. Navy destroyer ever built, is on time and on budget, something that's a rarity in new defense programs, officials said. And the Navy believes the ship's big gun, stealthy silhouette and advance features will make it a formidable package.

The christening of the ship bearing the name of the late Adm. Elmo "Bud" Zumwalt was canceled a week ago because of the federal government shutdown. Without fanfare, the big ship will be moved to dry dock and floated in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the public christening ceremony featuring Zumwalt's two daughters will be rescheduled for the spring."

'via Blog this'