UPI:
Nov. 12 (UPI) — Construction of DDG 127, to be christened the USS Patrick Gallagher, has started at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works shipyard located in Maine.
U.S. Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, made the initial cut to the first steel plate for the ship during a ceremony Friday in the BIW fabrication shop, which included the presence of workers and Navy officials.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer will be named for Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Patrick Gallagher, who received the Navy Cross for heroism during the Vietnam War when he managed to jump on and throw a enemy grenade into a river, saving his fellow Marines. He was killed in action one year later.
“It is exciting to commence construction on what will be the 77th ship of the Arleigh Burke class,” DDG 51 class program manager Capt. Casey Moton said in a Navy press release.
