BATH, Maine – The U.S. Navy, in collaboration with Bath Iron Works (BIW) and the Bath/Brunswick YMCA, held a groundbreaking ceremony announcing a $13 million childcare facility expansion, Dec. 16. In order to fund the facility, which aligns with the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s Quality of Service priorities, the Navy contributed half of the project’s funds to support the workforce who construct the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. The investment also aligns with the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act language, emphasizing the crucial investment in both labor and capital necessary for achieving cost and schedule improvements.
The expanded childcare facility will provide extended hours and serve an additional 150 children during the work week, directly benefiting BIW employees and their families. The facility increases access to reliable childcare fostering a stronger, more focused manufacturing workforce to meet Navy shipbuilding needs.
“The Navy’s investment in this childcare expansion is instrumental in supporting the critical workforce that build these highly capable ships and ensure fleet readiness in perilous times for our country,” said Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships. “By addressing the needs of BIW’s shipbuilders, the program helps ensure the long-term success of the DDG 51 shipbuilding program.
Navy funding complements investments by BIW and the Bath/Brunswick YMCA, demonstrating a shared commitment to reducing workforce risks, maintaining construction schedules, and ensuring proficiency in shipbuilding operations. This expansion will also aid BIW in recruiting, hiring, and training the skilled personnel necessary to meet the Navy’s cost and schedule goals.
The Navy is prioritizing both the physical and digital foundations on which processes, technology, and infrastructure support workers across the shipbuilding enterprise to enhance warfighting readiness.