BAE Systems to modernise USS Ross
BAE Systems has received a $107.7 million contract from the US Navy to modernise the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71).
Above:
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) transits the Mediterranean Sea.
Image US Navy photo
Under this extended dry-docking selected restricted availability (EDSRA) contract, the company will perform the modernisation work at its Norfolk, Virginia shipyard. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $123.8 million.
During the EDSRA, BAE Systems will dry-dock USS Ross to perform maintenance on the underwater hull, repair the ship’s main propulsion system, preserve internal ballast and fuel tanks and external superstructure, and rehabilitate crew berthing and dining compartments. The modernisation project is scheduled to take more than 500 days and be completed in April 2024. Once complete, the ship will be capable of serving in the fleet for another 10 years. The 16-year old ship recently completed a seven-year operational period in Rota, Spain as a forward-deployed US Navy combatant.
“This is an important job for our employees, subcontractors, and the Navy to accomplish,” said Mike Bruneau, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair. “We look forward to meeting the long-term maintenance goals for USS Ross to sustain the future capability and readiness of the ship.”
The USS Ross was commissioned in June 1997. The ship is named after the first Medal of Honor recipient of World War II, Donald K. Ross. While serving aboard the battleship USS Nevada (BB 36) during the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, Ross valiantly helped the badly-damaged ship get underway during the attack. USS Ross is part of the Arleigh Burke class of destroyers.
BAE Systems provides ship repair, maintenance, modernisation, conversion and overhaul services for the US Navy, other government agencies and select commercial customers. The company operates three full-service shipyards in California, Florida and Virginia.