The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $107.7 million contract to modernize the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG-71).
The deal aims to extend the 16-year-old battleship’s lifespan for another 10 years.
The company will deliver services for multiple segments and components of the USS Ross, including the underwater hull, propulsion system, fuel tanks, external structure, and berthing and dining compartments.
The work for the extended dry-docking selected restricted availability contract will be conducted at the firm’s shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia. It will run over 500 days, with an expected completion date of April 2024.
The deal will total $123.8 million if all options are exercised.
“This is an important job for our employees, subcontractors, and the Navy to accomplish,” said BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair General Manager and Vice President Mike Bruneau.
“We look forward to meeting the long-term maintenance goals for USS Ross to sustain the future capability and readiness of the ship,” he added.
About the USS Ross
The USS Ross destroyer was commissioned in June 1997. It’s named after World War II’s Medal of Honor recipient Donald K. Ross, who was aboard the USS Nevada (BB 36) during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
The ship’s overall length extends to 505 feet (152 meters) with a displacement of 8,960 tons (8.9 million kilograms) and a dead weight of 2,133 tons (2.1 million kilograms).
It carries Harpoon and Tomahawk missile launchers, a group of machine guns, and torpedo countermeasures. Its aircraft capacity could serve up to two Sikorsky MH-60R “Seahawk” helicopters.