The US Navy has awarded HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding a $9.5-billion multi-ship procurement in two separate contracts to build four amphibious warships.
The first $5.8 billion is allotted for the detail, design, and construction (DD&C) of three Flight II amphibious transport dock ships: LPD 33, LPD 34, and LPD 35. Work completion is expected by September 2035.
As part of a contract modification, the other $3.67 billion will go to the advanced procurement, DD&C, and special studies of one America-class amphibious assault ship (LHA), which is anticipated to be completed by September 2033.
However, the total value may reach $3.89 billion if all contract options are exercised and work completion may extend until March 2035.
Ensuring Amphibious Fleet Readiness
As the US Navy replaces older vessels with new ones, this latest award will help maintain the service’s minimum 31-ship requirement and support the Marine Corps in their ongoing deployments while reserving some capacity for humanitarian or contingency operations.
Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration Marine Lt. Gen. Eric Austin said that the Navy has 32 existing amphibious warships.
“What this multi-ship procurement allows us to do is retire some of the older ships as we replace them in the out years and maintain that 31 amphibious ship floor…that’s 10 big deck amphibs and 21 LPDs. (That) is where we think we need to sustain our floor of amphibs,” Austin said.
“It essentially is a one in, one out… that’s what we’re going to have to do. Congress has asked us to report annually to make sure we’re maintaining that right balance for amphibs,” he added.
Executive Director for Amphibious, Auxiliary and Sealift programs Tom Rivers commented that the multi-year deal saved the Navy about $901 million mainly because they could buy materials in bulk.
Meanwhile, Ingalls president Kari Wilkinson said, “It is an honor to continue our support of the joint Navy and Marine Corps mission to meet the minimum 31 amphibious ship requirement.”
The US Navy has received 15 large-deck amphibious ships and 13 San Antonio-class ships from Ingalls, with the latest USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) delivered in April this year.
Currently, the shipbuilding company is constructing the Bougainville (LHA 8), Fallujah (LHA 9), Harrisburg (LPD 30), and Pittsburgh (LPD 31).