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M a i n e — A P h oto P o rt r A i t o f t h e P i n e t r ee S tAt e P r o f i l e s i n e x c e l l e n c e 118 G eneral Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) is the recognized leader in the design, con- struction and lifetime support of the world's most technologically advanced surface com- batant ships operated by the U.S. Navy. Today, from its modern shipyard on the shores of the Kennebec River, the men and women of BIW proudly continue a local shipbuilding heritage that stretches back over 400 years. Shipbuilding in this region began at the mouth of the Kennebec River, just a few miles south of BIW's cur- rent location. In 1607, the settlers of the Popham Colony launched a 50-foot, oceangoing sailing ship named Vir- ginia, the first ship built by Europeans on this conti- nent. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Bath, Maine was a shipbuilding center known worldwide as the "City of Ships," a moniker still claimed by its citizens. Bath Iron Works was incorporated at its current site in 1884, just as wooden ships and sails were giving way to iron, steel, and steam engines. Capitalizing on these new technologies, BIW quickly built a reputation for quality and innovation in ships of all types and sizes, including cargo and passenger ships, luxurious yachts, and warships. Since its founding, BIW has construct- ed more than 245 military ships and over 160 private yachts and commercial vessels. During World War II BIW honed its expertise in warship construction, building more than 80 ships that accounted for 20 percent of all destroyers delivered to the U.S. Navy. At its peak rate of production, with a workforce of 12,000 men and women, BIW delivered a new destroyer to the Navy every 17 days. Since 1995, BIW has been part of General Dynamics, a market leader in business aviation; combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; shipbuilding and ma- rine systems; and mission-critical information systems and technology. BIW has long been a landmark for travelers along the Maine coast and an economic force throughout Maine, especially in the Midcoast region. To residents and visitors alike the shipyard's towering cranes signal arrival in Bath from coastal U.S. Route 1. With over 5,000 employees and an annual payroll of more than $320 million, BIW is the largest single site manufacturing employer in Maine. Additionally, the business BIW conducts with other companies in Maine injects over $50 million annually into the state's economy. BIW's skilled workforce includes professionals in manufacturing trades, management, engineering, planning, and many other areas. The majority of BIW employees come from Maine, where shipbuilding roots run very deep. In some cases, BIW ships are being built today by fourth or fifth-generation family members, and it is common to find several members of the same family working at the shipyard. Overall, its employees average over 20 years of shipbuilding experience. BIW's experienced workforce is complemented by a modern shipyard facility that reflects recent capital investments of over $400 million. Inaugurated in 2001, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f G e n e r a l D y n a M i c s B a t h i r o n W o r k s ( G . B r i D G M a n ) Located approximately 15 miles from the open ocean, BIW is a modern, full-service shipyard occupying approximately 58 acres on the west bank of the Kennebec River. BIW has built ships on this site since its founding in 1884. In 2001, the Land Level Transfer Facility, seen in the foreground of this picture, was inaugurated, providing BIW with a more flexible and efficient way to build ships. Proudly continuing Maine's 400- year shipbuilding heritage, the men and women of BIW build the finest destroyers afloat for the US Navy.

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