BAE Systems has received a $9.6 million contract from the US Navy to modernise the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea.
The ship will undergo 10 months of work at the company’s Jacksonville, Florida, shipyard and at nearby Naval Station Mayport. This docking selected restricted availability (DSRA) contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to approximately $72 million.
“We have extensive experience with the Navy’s Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers and specifically with the Philippine Sea,” said Todd Hooks, general manager of BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair.
“We will utilise our cruiser experience to accomplish the DSRA and return the ship back to the fleet ready for continued service.”
The USS Philippine Sea was commissioned in March 1989. Work on board the 567-foot-long ship is expected to begin in April and be completed in February 2019. The company’s Jacksonville shipyard currently employs about 540 people.
BAE Systems operates five full-service shipyards in Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii, and Virginia, and offers a highly skilled, experienced workforce, eight dry docks, and significant pier space and ship support services.
Recently the company received two US Navy contracts totalling $54.8 million to modernise the amphibious assault ship USS America and the guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George.
Both contracts include options that, if exercised, would bring the total cumulative value of the awards to $62.2 million.
“These contracts are important to expanding the service lives and capability of these Navy ships,” said David Thomas, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair.
“Our work on board the America will keep the ship ready for immediate service. For the Cape St. George, it is the beginning of a four-year journey toward full modernisation and the ability to serve in the fleet longer.”
The USS America was commissioned in October 2014. BAE Systems will perform hull, mechanical, and electrical repairs, as well as additional flight deck modifications to support F-35 Lightning II operations on board.
The company say that work on the 844-foot long ship will be conducted at Naval Station San Diego. The modernisation is expected to begin in March and be completed in December 2018.
