Cutting-edge Navy warship being built in Maine

[IamK]

BATH, Maine (AP) — An enormous, expensive and technology-laden warship that some Navy leaders once tried to kill because of its cost is now viewed as an important part of the Obama administration's Asia-Pacific strategy, with advanced capabilities that the Navy's top officer says represent the Navy's future.

The stealthy, guided-missile Zumwalt that's taking shape at Bath Iron Works is the biggest destroyer ever built for the U.S. Navy.

The low-to-the-water warship will feature a wave-piercing hull, composite deckhouse, electric drive propulsion, advanced sonar, missiles, and powerful guns that fire rocket-propelled warheads as far as 100 miles. It's also longer and heavier than existing destroyers — but will have half the crew because of automated systems.

http://news.yahoo.com/cutting-edge-navy-warship-being-built-maine-063753789.html

[MADem]

1. Half the crew means vastly improved Quality of Life.

Berthing will be much nicer.

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/QYAc9ypLKKxdVcTtl2yJyw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Y2g9MTI4Njtjcj0xO2N3PTIwMDA7ZHg9MDtkeT0wO2ZpPXVsY3JvcDtoPTEyMztxPTg1O3c9MTkw/

[dballance]

3. I hope so - they deserve it for their service\nt

[dballance]

2. Now if only we could get the same sort of funding for bridges, public transport and such

Don't get me wrong. I'm very happy we're building something in the US that is probably providing jobs for thousands. I also think it's a bonus that the crew can be smaller. That risks fewer US sailor's lives - always a good thing. My dad was a sailor in WWII.

I just wish we could get some funding for something in addition to defense spending. The GOP hates Obama so much they are letting bridges in their districts fall apart rather than fund infrastructure projects that might have the effect of reflecting positively on Obama as those projects create jobs, which in turn, helps the economy.

[Confusious]

4. Hopefully we don't have to fight cylons. nt

[Permanut]

5. No fair; the 1959 model tin can I was on

had 450 guys on it, and I had to cook for every one of them. That job will be easier on this new one.

[msongs]

6. designed to attack the US treasury, will no doubt be hugely successful at that nt

[bahrbearian]

7. Ironic isn't it. They ship that is going to East Asia will be financed by China

[HooptieWagon]

8. Bath Iron Works

Is one of few remaining ship builders in the US. Quite a bit of history, and a major employer in the region. If BIW were to close, several thousand people would have to support their families by selling T shirts to tourists, the only other significant industry in the area (fishing and lobstering being almost dead). While the yard is restricted for security reasons, you can catch an overview from the Maine Maritime Museum next door. As a bonus, the museum is one of the most fascinating Ive been to.