General Dynamics subsidiary NASSCO has been awarded a $15.6-million maintenance and modernization contract for two Arleigh Burke-Class destroyers, USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95).
The contract could reach $753.8 million for future development of the ships.
Modernization efforts include installing the Raytheon AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare suite.
Work for the two destroyers will take place in Norfolk, Virginia, and San Diego, California, and is scheduled for completion by April 2024.
Additional upgrade options could continue until November 2030.
USS Chung-Hoon Preparation
Work on the Chung-Hoon will commence after its participation in Exercise Black Widow 2023, a US undersea force program to improve submarine, surface ship, and aircraft operability.
The vessel will undergo upgrades beginning in October.
The destroyer has been a part of the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet since 2004, participating in expedition strike groups and assisting other countries against adversarial groups, such as its joint missions with the Philippine Navy against Islamic militants in 2010.
Updating USS James E. Williams
The modernization period for the USS James E. Williams will be approximately 23 months, completing in October 2025.
Serving the US Navy for 18 years, the vessel was part of the Global War on Terror Surface Strike Group, conducting countermeasures against Somali pirates and participating in maritime security operations in the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf.