U.S. Navy funding for the planning and construction of an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer has been awarded to General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.

The $644.3 million award fully funds DDG 124 under a 2013 contract for five ships.

"This funding will allow us to continue our efforts associated with planning and construction of DDG 124," said Fred Harris, president of Bath Iron Works.

"The men and women of Bath Iron Works are working hard to continuously improve our processes as we contribute to the U.S. Navy's important shipbuilding programs."

Four DDG 51-class destroyers are currently in production at Bath Iron Works: Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) and Carl M. Levin (DDG 120).

The Navy has named DDG 124 the Harvey C. Barnum Jr., after a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who received the Medal of Honor for valor during the Vietnam War.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is a multi-mission combatant that offers defense against a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles.

They are of all-steel construction and feature the Aegis combat system, a vertical launching system, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles.

Navy exercises contract option for another LCS
Washington (UPI) Apr 4, 2016 - A Lockheed Martin-led team has been contracted by the U.S. Navy to build the 13th Freedom-class littoral combat ship.

The award -- the exercise of an earlier contract option -- includes funding for seaframe construction, systems integration and testing.

The vessel, LCS 25, will be built in Wisconsin by Fincantieri Marinette Marine and delivered to the Navy in 2020.

"We are proud to continue our partnership with the U.S. Navy to build and deliver the capable Freedom-class LCS to the fleet," said Joe North, vice president and general manager of Littoral Ships and Systems.

"Over 12,000 people and 500 suppliers in 37 states contribute to this critical program and will continue to do so as we transition to the new Freedom-class Frigate in the coming years."

The LCS, slightly smaller than a guided-missile destroyer, is a modularly designed vessel for use in close-to-shore operations. The Navy is buying them under block-buy contracts, which leads to lower acquisition costs. LCS 25 will be the 11th ship procured under a 2010 block buy contract.

The Lockheed Martin-led industry team is currently in full-rate production of the Freedom-class variant, and has delivered three ships to the U.S. Navy to date. Seven additional Freedom-class ships are in various stages of construction.