USN orders more incremental availability work for USS Gerald R Ford
The USN carrier Gerald R. Ford pictured in 2017 after completing sea trials. (Photo: USN/ Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Ruiz)
Huntington Ingalls Newport News is to conduct ‘planned incremental availability’ work on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the DoD announced on 28 July.
Work on a $94.8 million delivery order from the USN is scheduled for completion by March 2022.
In June 2019, the USN awarded Huntington Ingalls a $687 million cost-plus-fixed-fee, IDIQ contract for early service life period work on the Gerald R. Ford, which entered service in 2017 as the first ship in its class. The work included support ship repair and modernisation during continuous maintenance and emergent maintenance during the early service period.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the four Gerald R Ford-class carriers will be at the forefront of US power projection over the next 50 years as they enter service, employing new technologies that will enhance operational capabilities far beyond their predecessors.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)
In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
-
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.