BAE Systems to modernise USS Howard and USS Oscar Austin
BAE Systems has received contracts from the US Navy to modernise the guided-missile destroyers USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79).
Above:
The USS Howard.
Courtesy US Navy
The $47.8 million contract to modernise the guided-missile destroyer USS Howard requires 15 months of extensive work to be undertaken at the company’s shipyard in San Diego, the ship’s homeport. The depot maintenance period (DMP) availability contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $66.5 million.
The USS Howard was commissioned in October 2001. The ship is the first West Coast-based destroyer to undergo the Navy’s extensive DMP repair and upgrade program. BAE Systems will perform hull, mechanical, and electrical repairs, and upgrade the combat systems suite aboard the 509-foot-long Howard. The work is expected to begin in February and be completed in May 2019.The company’s Jacksonville, Florida, shipyard is completing a DMP availability aboard the USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and its Norfolk, Virginia, shipyard recently received a DMP contract to work on the USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79).
“We look forward to conducting the first-ever West Coast destroyer DMP availability on the Howard,” said David Thomas, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems San Diego and Norfolk Ship Repair. “The extensive work to be done on board aligns perfectly with the experience and capabilities of our employees and subcontractors.”
The company’s San Diego shipyard also was recently awarded a $11.5 million contract to dry-dock and modernise the San Diego-based mine countermeasures ship USS Champion (MCM 4). Work aboard the 224-foot-long ship will begin in January and will be completed August.
BAE Systems also received a $41.6 million contract from the US Navy to modernise the guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin, which will undergo 12 months of extensive work at the company’s shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia, the ship’s homeport. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $117.1 million.
Above:
The USS Oscar Austin.
Courtesy US Navy
Under the depot maintenance period (DMP) contract, BAE Systems will dry-dock the 509-foot-long Oscar Austin. The shipyard’s employees and subcontractors will then upgrade the ship’s Aegis Combat System and will perform alterations and miscellaneous repairs that will affect nearly every onboard space. The work is expected to begin in February and be completed in February 2019.
Dave Thomas said: “The work we will perform on the Oscar Austin is large and complex and will involve a large number of our employees and subcontractors.
“We are prepared to perform this extensive work, which is vital for the ship’s future readiness and combat effectiveness. This contract is important work for the ship’s crew, the Navy and our shipyard team and industry partners.”
The Oscar Austin was commissioned in August 1990 and is named for a Vietnam War-era Medal of Honor recipient. The ship is the second guided missile destroyer to undergo the extensive repair and upgrade work. BAE Systems’ shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida, is currently working on the first destroyer to undergo the DMP modernization, the USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).