BAE Systems secures USS Wasp contract

The Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $197.4 million contract to perform maintenance and modernization work aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp.

“BAE Systems is very familiar with USS Wasp, performing substantial upgrade work onboard before its forward deployment to Japan three years ago,” Mark Whitney, deputy general manager of BAE Systems Ship Repair and general manager of Norfolk Ship Repair, said. “Our team of skilled tradespeople and subcontractors look forward to executing another long sustainment period on Wasp, to ensure the ship retains its sharp warfighting capability.”

The significant work onboard the Wasp to sustain its warfighting capability involves working aboard the 843-foot-long USS Wasp beginning in February 2021 – executing hull, tank, and mechanical work. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $237.7 million.

As a means of preparing for drydocking the Wasp, officials said BAE Systems sent its largest floating drydock in Norfolk, Va., to a Baltimore, Md., shipyard for five months of lifecycle maintenance. The Titan returned to Norfolk earlier this month – with work performed on Titan drydock enabling the yard to service the largest Navy ships in the port of Norfolk for another 20 to 25 years. Titan is capable of lifting up to 52,500 long tons, and the USS Wasp displaces about 40,500 long tons.