BAE Systems to modernise USS Wasp again
For the second time in four years, Wasp is undergoing work to sustain its warfighting capability
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
-
![Type 23 Duke-class frigate HMS St Albans completes mid-life refit]()
Type 23 Duke-class frigate HMS St Albans completes mid-life refit
HMS St Albans’ refit included an update in FOST training to help staff adapt to new technology and routines.
-
![Royal Navy sails autonomous RIB in UK waters for the first time]()
Royal Navy sails autonomous RIB in UK waters for the first time
The RIB trials are expected to inform rapid future RN deployment of autonomous vessel technology.
-
![Work begins on Type 26 frigate HMS Sheffield]()
Work begins on Type 26 frigate HMS Sheffield
Manufacture of the fifth UK City-class frigate has begun in Scotland.
-
![Indian naval crew awaits delayed Russian-built frigates]()
Indian naval crew awaits delayed Russian-built frigates
India has been re-evaluating its naval capabilities as its maritime objectives continue to expand beyond the Indian Ocean.
-
![Steel cutting begins on German Type 424 SIGINT ships]()
Steel cutting begins on German Type 424 SIGINT ships
The new signals vessels will replace the ageing 423 Oste-class ships, which have been operating since the late 1980s.
-
![German Navy tests BlueWhale autonomous underwater vehicle]()
German Navy tests BlueWhale autonomous underwater vehicle
The autonomous underwater vehicle was tested in the tough environment of the Baltic Sea.
