Fairbanks Morse Defense’s Bird-Johnson Propeller Receives Propeller Order for 100th DDG-51 Destroyer

22 April 2026

The US Navy’s DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer. (Image credit: Bird-Johnson)

Bird-Johnson Propellers, a Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) company, announced it received an order to supply propellers for the US Navy’s 100th DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer. This achievement is a testament to the enduring reliability of Bird-Johnson's propulsion systems and the longevity of the US Navy’s most versatile class of surface combatant.

Bird-Johnson has been the sole provider of the DDG-51’s fully mil-spec compliant, shock-qualified controllable pitch propeller (CPP) systems since the program’s inception. Proudly based in the United States, Bird-Johnson represents a key pillar of domestic shipbuilding capacity. The company received the first contract for the Arleigh Burke program 40 years ago, setting a world record at that time for CPP power output, with each propeller engineered to withstand 50,000 shaft horsepower (shp).

“We are honored to power the US Navy’s flagship destroyer. Receiving the propeller order for the 100th DDG-51 ship is a profound moment for our company,” said Dan Rediger, President of Power and Propulsion. “Our controllable pitch propeller system has been a cornerstone of the DDG program’s success, and its proven performance has shaped propulsion designs across the fleet. The Arleigh Burke is the backbone and standard-bearer of the US Navy’s surface combatant fleet, and we consider it a privilege to uphold its legacy.”

The success of the Bird-Johnson propeller system on the DDG-51 laid the foundation for other critical Navy platforms to adopt controllable pitch propeller technology, including the LPD San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships and the LHA America-class amphibious assault ships. These advanced ship classes benefit directly from lessons learned over decades of operation, iteration, and innovation for the Arleigh Burke program.

The CPP system is responsible for the DDG-51’s legendary mobility, providing the thrust required to propel the 9,000-ton destroyer through high-intensity tactical operations and seamless acceleration to speeds exceeding 30 knots.

In addition to supplying advanced propulsion systems for the newest destroyers, FMD remains committed to providing lifecycle support across multiple generations of DDG propellers. This includes sustainment of the original systems Bird-Johnson delivered to the first Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which began entering service on July 4, 1991. Through dedicated maintenance, repair, upgrades, and enhancements, FMD is ensuring mission-readiness and operational effectiveness across generations of DDG ships.

The teams in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and Walpole, Massachusetts, will deliver the original equipment for the new destroyer and sustain it through comprehensive lifecycle services, including on-site technical assistance, 24/7 aftermarket support, and the Pit-Stop Program for expedited maintenance. In commencing work on the 100th DDG-51 ship, FMD and Bird-Johnson remain committed to supporting the Navy’s mission by providing reliable, cutting-edge propulsion systems and sustainment of the fleet.