Bath Iron Works is a designer and builder of complex, technologically-advanced naval ships. Since the 1950s, the company has served as lead shipyard for 10 surface ship classes produced by the United States Navy. In 1995, General Dynamics purchased Bath Iron Works to further enhance the company s technological expertise and capabilities through key investments and access to the complementary capabilities of other general dynamics companies. Bath Iron Works today is the lead designer and builder of the Arleigh Burke Class AEGIS guided missile destroyer, the most technologically advanced surface combatant in the world. The company also provides an array of life cycle services aimed at helping Navy customers increase fleet operational readiness and reduce total ownership cost.