Huntington Ingalls Wins $1.5 Billion U.S Navy Contract

US ship builder Huntington Ingalls has been awarded a $1.5 billion fixed price incentive contract for the construction of an amphibious transport dock LPD 27, the 11th ship of its class by the US Navy. The LPD 27 functionally replaces more than 41 ships (the LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113 and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships), providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable and built to operate with 21st century platforms, such as the MV-22 Osprey. Doug Lounsberry, vice president, LPD program said, “This contract validates our proven performance in building amphibious ships. This investment in survivability is vital to protecting our troops and their equipment and ensuring their ability to fight and win while in harm’s way”. The LPD 17-class ships are 684 feet long and 105 feet wide and displace approximately 25,000 tons. Their principal mission is to deploy the combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. The ships can carry up to 800 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC). The ships will support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions. The complex, survivable ships enable the services to carry out their missions without constraints or additional assets. The project is expected to be completed by June 2017.