The US Navy has awarded a $2.4-billion contract to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) to design and construct its fourth America-class amphibious assault ship.
The yet-to-be-named vessel will have a well deck to launch and recover other naval vehicles and enhance the navy’s expeditionary warfighting capabilities.
“Ingalls shipbuilders are ready to build the Navy’s newest [amphibious assault ship],” company president Kari Wilkinson said in a press release.
“We understand how important this work is, and consider it an honor to be given the opportunity to deliver this capability to the fleet.”
Construction of the America-class ship is scheduled to begin in December.
The contract includes other undisclosed options that could bring the cumulative value of the agreement to $3.2 billion.
America-Class Assault Ships
The America-class is a multi-functional and versatile vessel capable of operating in high-density, multi-threat environments .
It serves as a key member of an expeditionary strike group, an amphibious task force, or an amphibious ready group.
Ships of this class are also designed to enhance Marine Corps aviation as they can provide the needed support for the tilt-rotor MV-22 Ospreys and the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter.
Additionally, the large-deck amphibious assault ships have top-of-the-line medical facilities for wounded sailors.
The USS America, USS Tripoli, and USS Bougainville are the first three ships that belong to the America-class.