BAE Systems to modernise USS Wasp again
BAE Systems has received a $197.4 million contract from the USN for drydock, maintenance and modernisation of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (pictured) at its shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia.
If all options are exercised on the contract, its cumulative value will rise to $237.7 million.
BAE Systems will begin working aboard the 843ft-long USS Wasp in February 2021 to conduct hull, tank and mechanical work.
Wasp previously underwent maintenance availability with BAE Systems from December 2016 to May 2017, when the company added modifications to support operations with the F-35.
To prepare for drydocking Wasp this time, BAE Systems sent its largest floating drydock (Titan) to a Baltimore shipyard for five months of lifecycle maintenance. This will enable the Norfolk shipyard to service the largest USN ships ‘for another 20 to 25 years’, according to the company.
Titan is capable of lifting up to 52,500 long tons, while USS Wasp displaces about 40,500 long tons. It is the first in its class of eight vessels, but Shephard Defence Insight notes that these ships will be replaced by the America class.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.