The US Navy has awarded a new $42.9m contract to BAE Systems for the upgrade of its USS Vicksburg (CG 69) Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser.
The value of the competitively awarded, special selected restricted availability (SSRA) contract could reach $45.9m if all options are exercised.
BAE Systems will be responsible for carrying out alternations and miscellaneous repairs aboard the US Navy vessel under the new agreement.
The company would also be responsible for the replacement of the critical aluminium structures of the 567ft-long vessel.
BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair vice-president and general manager Dave Thomas said: “The Vicksburg is our second SSRA under the long-term cruiser mod programme.
“Our team recently completed similar work on-board the Gettysburg, which is now ready for the next phase of modernisation next year and continued service in the fleet afterwards.
“This SSRA contract provides important work for our shipyard team, particularly for our skilled employees and their work with aluminium structures aboard navy ships.”
The upgrade works are expected to commence in April at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia, with completion currently scheduled for September.
USS Vicksburg is the second East Coast-based warship to undergo extensive refit and upgrade work as part of the US Navy’s long-term modernisation programme for its fleet of cruisers.
Image: BAE Systems will perform ship alternations and miscellaneous repairs aboard the US Navy’s USS Vicksburg (CG 69). Photo: courtesy of US Navy.
