Naval Technology

US Department of Defense awards contracts to US shipyards for DDG 51 support

Huntington Ingalls Industries and General Dynamics have secured Arleigh Burke-class destroyer programme contracts.

The US Department of Defense has taken steps to bolster the nation's naval capabilities by awarding contracts to two shipyards in support of the Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyer programme.

HII and General Dynamics, with their divisions, are set to play a role in ensuring the continuation of the US Navy's fleet.

In a move to enhance maritime readiness, Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding division, based in Pascagoula, Mississippi, announced a cost-plus-award-fee contract from the US Navy for follow-yard support of the DDG 51 destroyer programme. This contract, valued at a potential $185m, signifies a continued commitment to support functions necessary to produce DDGs.

The Arleigh Burke is a class of guided missile destroyers being constructed for the US Navy. There are four variants being procured: Flight I, Flight II, Flight IIA and Flight III, according to GlobalData's US Defense Market 2022–2027 report.

Ben Barnett, programme manager for DDG 51 at Ingalls Shipbuilding, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating: "This is another exciting opportunity for our shipbuilders to demonstrate their versatility in handling all aspects of shipbuilding. We are honoured to provide this support to our Navy customer and the nation's defence."

Simultaneously, General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works, based in Bath, Maine, secured a $58.9m cost-plus-award-fee contract for DDG 51 class lead yard support. The agreement includes options that could bring the cumulative value to $418.6m, with work expected to be completed by November 2024.

Funds from multiple fiscal years will be allocated to meet the contractual obligations, showcasing the long-term investment in maintaining and advancing the capabilities of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The contracts contribute to the nation's maritime strength.

The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC, oversaw the contracting activities. As these shipyards embark on their roles, the contracts ready the US' naval fleet to address contemporary challenges and uphold global maritime security.

This month, Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding division began construction of the latest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, Thad Cochran, by cutting the first 100 tons of steel.