BAE Systems to Modernize US Navy’s Guided Missile Destroyers in $89 Million Contract

BAE Systems has received contracts from the United States Navy to modernize guided missile destroyers USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) for $41.6 million and USS Howard (DDG 83) for $47.8 million.

The Oscar Austin 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.

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.

“The work we will perform on the Oscar Austin is large and complex, and will involve a large number of our employees and subcontractors,” said Dave Thomas, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair. “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 Howard will undergo 15 months of extensive work 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 company’s San Diego shipyard also was recently awarded a $11.5 million contract to dry-dock and modernize 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.