General Dynamics lays keel for future USS John E. Kilmer, expanding U.S. Navy destroyer-based ballistic missile defense capabilities

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works laid the keel for the future USS John E. Kilmer, DDG 134, in Bath, Maine, on September 10, 2026, joining the ship’s first major hull modules. The vessel is one of seven Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers assigned to the yard. Its AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar and Aegis combat system are designed to conduct simultaneous air and ballistic-missile defence, while the ship will also support Tomahawk strike, anti-surface, and anti-submarine missions. The destroyer honours Hospital Corpsman John E. Kilmer, who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Korean War.