BAE Systems to install JSF capability aboard USS Iwo Jima
BAE Systems’ Norfolk shipyard has received a $204.1 million US Navy contract to provide maintenance services and upgrades aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) that will accommodate Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) flight operations.
Above: The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) sail in formation during a simulated strait transit.
Courtesy BAE Systems
Under the selected restricted availability (SRA) contract awarded, BAE Systems will upgrade shipboard systems to enable Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) flight operations to be conducted. Work aboard the 843-foot-long ship will begin in August.
“The USS Iwo Jima availability is welcomed work for our Norfolk shipyard team,” said David M. Thomas, Jr., vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Norfolk. “We are very familiar with performing modernisation work aboard this class of ship. We will apply the lessons learned from current and past LHD-class work done within our shipyard.”
USS Iwo Jima is the third US Navy ship named after the World War II battle. The current vessel was commissioned in June 2001.
The Norfolk shipyard is nearing completion of repairs aboard the lead ship of the amphibious assault ship class, USS Wasp (LHD 1).
BAE Systems Maritime Solutions is a provider of maintenance and modernisation services to the US Navy’s fleet of combatant ships, refit and hauling services for privately held leisure vessels and workboats and fabrication services for US submarine and ship builders.
The company operates three full-service shipyards in California, Florida and Virginia and it employs an experienced workforce and a large team of suppliers and subcontractors.