BATH, Maine - The keel for the future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), an Arleigh Burke-class Flight III guided missile destroyer, was laid during a ceremony on May 20, at Bath Iron Works (BIW).
The keel laying represents the start of a ship's construction. During the ceremony, the keel is authenticated when the ship's sponsor welds their initials into the keel plate, with the assistance of a BIW welder.
The ship's sponsor is Madison Ann Zolper, great-granddaughter of the ship's namesake, Coast Guard Capt. Quentin R. Walsh, who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during World War II.
Walsh received the Navy Cross for his leadership during the 1944 Battle of Cherbourg, where his 53-man reconnaissance unit captured 750 German soldiers and liberated 52 American prisoners of war. After World War II, he served during the Korean War and held various roles at Coast Guard headquarters. After his Coast Guard career, he worked as a teacher and parole officer in Maryland and became known for his dedication to community preservation.
"We are honored to mark the beginning of the construction for the future USS Quentin Walsh and celebrate his legacy with his family," said Capt. Jay Young, Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). "DDG 132 will provide our Navy with critical strategic capabilities to support Fleet readiness."
Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers feature the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporate upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide enhanced warfighting capability to the fleet.
The keel laying of future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132) symbolizes the Navy's 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace - always ready to fight and win. This milestone marks the Navy's enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power.
PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense's largest acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, and auxiliary ships, including special mission ships, sealift ships, and support ships.
For more on Team Ships, visit: NAVSEA/Team Ships
