Bath, ME – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King participated in the christening ceremony for the USS Carl M. Levin (DDG-120) at Bath Iron Works.

“Today we christened the USS Carl M. Levin, the Navy’s newest Bath Iron Works built ship,” said Senator Collins. “Senator Carl Levin was a remarkable public servant, and to me, a cherished friend. I learned from him first as a Senate staffer, and then worked closely with him as an admiring Senate colleague. The men and women who sail aboard the USS Carl Levin will do so under an honored name. And wherever they sail, the prayers of a grateful nation will go with them.”

“The men and women of Bath Iron Works have once again built a state-of-the-art ship that will provide our nation’s sailors with the tools they need to accomplish their missions and keep America safe,” said Senator King. “It is fitting that this ship bears the name of the late Senator Carl Levin, who devoted so much of his life to strengthening our national defense, protecting American lives, and supporting our servicemembers. Carl was a mentor, a friend, and a model public servant – and I’m glad that his name will be carried on by a world-class BIW ship.”

The USS Carl M. Levin is named in honor of the late U.S. Senator Carl M. Levin of Michigan, the longtime Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The warship is an Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA guided missile destroyer. The ship’s newly commissioned seal includes a shield in the shape of the historic Senate gavel to symbolize Mr. Levin’s service as a Senator; six six-pointed stars to honor his 36 years in the Senate; and a Phrygian cap to convey his work to protect the Great Lakes and their many lighthouses along Michigan’s coastline.

Senators Collins and King hold seats on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, respectively.