Norfolk Shipyard Prepares to Repair USS Wasp

July 30, 2013

The Norfolk Shipyard is gearing up to repair the US Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) having secured a contract modification for the vessel’s planned maintenance availability.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship, USS Wasp (LHD 1), to our Norfolk, VA shipyard where our team will execute a $110 million contract to perform maintenance and modernization to the vessel,” BAE Systems said in a release.

The contract modification secures a fiscal 2013 drydocking planned maintenance availability, which includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations, and modifications that will update and improve the ship’s military and technical capabilities.

Accommodating aircraft and amphibious vehicles, the USS Wasp was the Navy’s vessel of choice in responding to Hurricane Irene in 2011 as well as Super Storm Sandy in 2012, offering emergency communications assistance, air traffic control capabilities, and carrying aircraft and equipment. The U.S. Navy also relies on USS Wasp as the test platform for Joint Strike Fighters.

The work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia and is expected to be completed by May 2014.

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Press Release, July 30, 2013; Image: BAE Systems