U.S. Navy signs destroyer-modernization contracts with BAE Systems
NewsJanuary 08, 2018
NORFOLK, Va. and SAN DIEGO. BAE Systems has signed several contracts with the U.S. Navy to perform modernization and upgrades on the guided missile destroyers USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79).
Work on the 509-foot-long USS Howard -- slated to take approximately 15 months -- will include repairs on the hull, mechanical system, and electrical plant, plus upgrading of the combat systems suite. Work will be done at the BAE Systems shipyard in San Diego, which is the ship’s home port. In addition, the depot maintenance period (DMP) availability contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $66.5 million. The ship is named for Medal of Honor recipient First Sergeant Jimmie E. Howard, USMC.
Under the terms of the contract signed for the USS Oscar Austin, the ship will undergo 12 months of work at the company’s shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia, her home port. According to BAE Systems documents, the DMP contract for the Oscar Austin calls for BAE Systems to dry-dock the ship, upgrade its Aegis Combat System, and perform alterations and miscellaneous repairs affecting nearly every onboard space. The work is expected to be completed in February 2019. The contract also includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $117.1 million. The Oscar Austin -- commissioned in August 1990 -- is named in honor of Vietnam War-era Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient Private First Class Oscar P. Austin, USMC.
