Naval Technology

HII secures contract to propel USS Harry S. Truman into a new era

A strategic investment of $913m aims to reinforce US naval capabilities through an overhaul project.

In a strategic manoeuvre to fortify the US's naval capabilities, HII has embarked on an initiative with a $913m contract for advanced planning and long-lead-time material procurement necessary for the Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) of the USS Harry S. Truman.

The goal is to refurbish the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and to usher in a new era of advanced capabilities for the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

This transformative project, set to conclude by June 2026, signifies a shift in naval engineering and shows HII's commitment to ensuring the vessel's continued legacy of safeguarding security for the US.

The contract is not subject to competitive procurement. Fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion funds amounting to $250m will be used for this project.

HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division, entrusted with the helm of the project, will address various facets of the RCOH, including engineering, design, material procurement, and fabrication.

According to GlobalData's "The Global Naval Vessels and Surface Combatants Market 2023-2033" report, Huntington Ingalls Industries will capture a 24.8% share of the naval vessels and surface combatants market in North America, with forecast revenue of $9.38bn over the 2023–33.

Rob Check, NNS vice president of in-service aircraft carrier programmes, emphasised the role of planning in ensuring the success of such a colossal undertaking. He stated, "This contract allows us to properly plan for each step in the overhaul process, from preparing for the ship's arrival at NNS to its redelivery back to the Navy, so that Harry S. Truman and its sailors can continue to protect peace and prosperity around the world."

The USS Harry S. Truman was christened in 1996 and delivered to the Navy in 1998. As the eighth Nimitz-class carrier to undergo RCOH, this endeavour represents 35% of all maintenance and modernisation throughout its 50-year service life.

The US Navy has ten of the Nimitz class within its fleet, with all ten aircraft carriers being procured between 1975 and 2009 from HII, according to GlobalData's intelligence on the US defence market.