BAE Systems To Modernize US Navy's Guided Missile Cruiser

BAE Systems has won a $42.9 million contract from US Navy for the modernization of the USS Vicksburg (CG 69), a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser.

Under the special selected restricted availability (SSRA) contract, BAE Systems will perform ship alternations and miscellaneous repairs aboard the 567-foot-long ship, including the replacement of critical aluminum structures.

The work is expected to begin in April and be completed by September at the company’s Norfolk, Virginia shipyard, the company announced Thursday.

The Vicksburg is the second East Coast-based guided missile cruiser to undergo extensive repair and upgrade work as part of the Navy's long-term modernization program for cruisers.

The Norfolk shipyard recently completed SSRA work aboard the USS Gettysburg (CG 64).

“The Vicksburg is our second SSRA under the long-term cruiser mod program,” said Dave Thomas, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair.

“Our team recently completed similar work onboard the Gettysburg, which is now ready for the next phase of modernization next year and continued service in the fleet afterwards.” Thomas added. The company operates five full-service shipyards in Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii, and Virginia.