US Navy receives final Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
Serco's marine services work includes operations at HMNB Clyde. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
Following the end of a 15-year private finance initiative arrangement to provide marine services, Serco’s new deal is with the RN directly.
The 27-month contract commences in December, following directly on from the previous arrangement for marine services.
A 650-strong team provide a range of services for the RN, including trialling new maritime technology, ferrying passengers, supporting training exercises and providing maintenance of moorings and buoys.
Serco’s marine services cover six sites, including HMNB Devonport, Portsmouth and Clyde.
The company also operates and maintains 100 tugs and other vessels.
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.