By Geoff Fein
Following a high-level meeting yesterday with top DoD leaders, the Navy is poised to notify Congress of its intention to build only two DDG-1000s and restart the DDG-51 production line, according to sources.
For some time, the Navy has been looking at limiting production of the multi-billion dollar Zumwalt-class ships to two, while determining the cost benefit of restarting the Burke-class line.
An issue for lawmakers has been making sure General Dynamics [GD] Bath Iron Works is able to maintain a workload well into the future. If the Navy were able to provide the yard with enough work, it could get the support of Maine Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe. Collins has opposed any plan to curtail the DDG-1000.
Earlier this year the Navy awarded construction contracts for DDG-1000 to General Dynamics and DDG-1001 to Northrop Grumman [NOC].