BATH – The 24th Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer to be built by Bath Iron Works will be christened during ceremonies beginning at 1 p.m Saturday, April 17, at BIW’s shipyard facilities.

The ship is named for the Honorable Paul H. Nitze who will attend the ceremonies. This is only the eighth time the U.S. Navy has broken tradition to name one of its ships after a living namesake. The ship’s sponsor is Elisabeth Scott Porter, wife of Paul H. Nitze. The principal speaker will be U.S. Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-Maine. The ceremony, open to the public, will last for about one hour.