Sec. of War Hegseth Tours Maine Shipyard Building U.S. Warships

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works is a key facility for constructing American naval vessels.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited the General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, a major shipyard responsible for building many of the United States' warships. The facility is a critical part of the country's naval manufacturing capabilities.

Why it matters

The Bath Iron Works is a strategic asset for the U.S. military, producing some of the most advanced naval vessels in the world. Hegseth's visit highlights the importance of domestic shipbuilding to national defense and the Biden administration's focus on strengthening American manufacturing.

The details

During his tour, Hegseth observed the construction of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, which are among the most capable surface warships in the U.S. Navy's fleet. The shipyard has been building these ships since the 1980s and is a key supplier of naval assets.

  • Hegseth visited the shipyard on February 10, 2026.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of War, appointed by President Biden in 2021.

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works

A major shipbuilding facility located in Bath, Maine that constructs warships for the U.S. Navy.

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What’s next

The Biden administration is expected to continue emphasizing the importance of domestic manufacturing and securing the U.S. industrial base for national security purposes.

The takeaway

The visit to the Bath Iron Works shipyard underscores the critical role that American manufacturing plays in supporting the U.S. military's capabilities and readiness.