Why production continuity changes maintenance costs

How did Perry maintenance costs compare with those of the Arleigh Burke class?

The Perrys were cheap to maintain when younger, but their costs rose with age; Burkes benefit from a continuous production line that keeps their support base active.

Perrys were inexpensive to maintain earlier in life, though their through-life costs rose as they aged. Comparing that late-service increase directly with steadier Arleigh Burke costs misses an important difference: Burkes remained in continuous production. An active line sustains parts, skills, and support infrastructure. Production continuity therefore affects operating economics as well as new-hull prices.