General Dynamics subsidiary NASSCO has been awarded a $1.4 billion contract to design and construct three US Navy vessels.
The deal includes the assembly of a sixth expeditionary sea base ship (ESB 8) and two additional John Lewis-class fleet oilers (T-AO 211 and T-AO 212). The deal also provides for the optional, additional procurement of a third oiler ship (T-AO 213).
ESBs are highly flexible vessels utilized in various military operations. They are commonly deployed on Special Operations Forces, Airborne Mine Countermeasures, and Crisis Response missions.
The John Lewis-class replenishment oilers are 742-foot vessels that transfer fuel to other US Navy ships and surface strike groups. This class is designed with a large dry cargo capacity and space for about 157,000 barrels of oil.
The latest funding, awarded August 5, follows a $600 million contract modification given by the US Navy in June to build the seventh and eighth ships of the John Lewis-class oiler program and the sixth ship of the sea base program.
The total potential value of the four ships is $2.7 billion. Construction on the vessels will begin in the third quarter of 2023 and continue to 2027.
“As partners with the Navy, we remain dedicated to ensuring the success of both of these programs to help enhance and expand the Navy’s forward presence and warfighting capabilities while providing sustained growth for our workforce,” said General Dynamics NASSCO President Dave Carver.