State to build on strengths

Brent Christensen, Mississippi Development Authority’s executive director, foresees the state in 2015 to continue to build on its economic strengths. MDA expects the state to reap the rewards of several large projects that begin production in the coming year. MDA is targeting seven industries in the state for growth: aerospace, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, automotive, energy, healthcare and shipbuilding sectors. McDermott International plans to locate a pipeline operation at the Port of Gulfport expected to create 100 jobs, in addition to longshoremen who will be employed while vessels are at port. McDermott represents the first major jobs announcement of the Port of Gulfport Restoration Project. (Source: Mississippi Business Journal, 12/30/14)

Contract: Northrop, $19M

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $19,082,605 modification under a previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6311) to provide integration services for mission packages that will deploy from and integrate with the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The Navy's plan is to use continuous evaluation of system maturity through a disciplined system engineering framework to improve mission capability in identified mission areas. LCSs mission packages will be optimized for flexibility in the littorals. Mission package capabilities are currently focused on primary mission areas of mine warfare emphasizing mine countermeasures, littoral anti-submarine warfare, and littoral surface warfare operations, including prosecution of small boats. Work will be performed in Bethpage (47 percent); Washington, D.C. (13 percent); Oxnard, Calif. (12 percent); Dahlgren, Va. (9 percent); Panama City, Fla. (8 percent); San Diego, Calif. (7 percent); Middletown, R.I. (2 percent); Hollywood, Md. (1 percent); and Andover, Mass. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2015. Fiscal 2014 and 2015 research and development; fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy); and fiscal 2014 and 2015 other procurement (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $2,400,000 will be obligated at time of award and funds in the amount of $7,119,720 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/30/14)

CG cutter competition heating up

BATH, Maine – At Bath Iron Works’ sprawling shipyard, workers are building five Navy destroyers, but talk is about potential job losses. Hundreds of new hires have pushed BIW’s employment rolls to the highest in years. But, leaner times may be on the horizon. Managers at the General Dynamics-owned shipyard are warning that less Navy work ahead could eliminate up to 1,200 jobs. The prospect has BIW feverishly looking for ways to cut costs. Eyes are focusing on a “must win” contract to build Coast Guard cutters. BIW’s lone customer has been the Navy. BIW President Fred Harris alarmed union leadership this fall by announcing a formal process to outsource some of the shipyard work – to reduce costs. Union leaders insist lowering costs can be accomplished if the company provides laborers accurate designs and ensures materials are on hand, not outsourcing. BIW’s competitor, Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., has also built destroyers for the Navy. The likelihood of big destroyer contracts are diminishing and likely will only include one new contract per year for the foreseeable future. This is where the CG contract comes in. (Source: Portland (Me.) Press Herald 12/28/14) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding: BIW is one of three shipyards competing to land the CG contract to build up to 11 offshore patrol cutters (OPC). The other two are on the Gulf Coast: Bollinger Shipyards of Lockport, La., and Eastern Shipbuilding of Panama City, Fla. They are smaller, more diversified, non-union yards. Bollinger already builds fast-response cutters for the CG as part of a 34-ship contract. VP Robert Socha says about half of Bollinger’s work is building tugs, barges and vessels for the commercial sector, which is more price-conscious than the military. But, asked how Bath can compete against the other yards, a Maine Local S6 union president had a blunt response: “We’re better than them.”

90’s-built Ingalls DDGs modernized

The Navy's Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer modernization program met a milestone for two Ingalls-Pacagoula, Miss.-built destroyers, according to Naval Sea Systems Command. The milestone is the installation and testing of a new Aegis combat system software package for USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Benfold (DDG 65), launched from Ingalls in 1991 and 1994 respectively. The modernization program for DDG-51 class ships keep pace with evolving threats and meeting service life requirements for future commitments. Both destroyers successfully executed sea trials following the test. The new software package (baseline 9C) includes an Aegis Weapon System upgrade and introduces an enhanced SPY-1D radar with a multi-mission signal processor for anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defense; and the addition of anti-submarine warfare upgrades. The ships are expected to return to the fleet by early 2015; and forwardly-deployed in Japan by 2017. (Source: Mississippi Press, 12/22/14) http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/12/ingalls-built_destroyers_getti.html

USM looks at Gulf’s ‘Blue tech’ biz

USM looks at Gulf’s ‘Blue tech’ biz A new Mississippi maritime industries study spotlights the importance of shipbuilding, fishing, oceanography and marine technology as a dominant force in the state’s economy. Data from the Mississippi’s Blue Economy: An Analysis of Mississippi’s Maritime Industry study shows that 35 percent of the workforces in the three coastal state counties are in “blue industries.” And it’s not just the Mississippi Gulf Coast that has a stake in the blue economy. The study looked at employment and other data on shipbuilding and fishing as well as industries such as construction that have maritime and non-maritime activities. It also included maritime technology or “blue tech” companies. The study was compiled by three members of the Masters of Economic Development Program at the University of Southern Mississippi. Laurie Jugan, project coordinator for the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology at Stennis Space Center, said the study confirms an expansive amount of marine science and technology work being done: along the Mississippi Coast. “Until now, there was no way to quantify the importance of this industry sector in our area,” she said. “With the USM study, we now have a place to start.” The Small Business Administration awarded MSET a competitive $523,742 grant based on the study’s findings. (Source: Mississippi Business Journal, 12/18/14)

Contract: Austal USA, $14.4M

Austal USA, Mobile, Ala., is being awarded a $14,359,433 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2301) to exercise an option for class services in support of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. Austal will provide engineering and design services, as well as affordability efforts to reduce LCS acquisition and lifecycle costs. Work will be performed in Mobile (72 percent), and Pittsfield, Mass. (28 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2015. Fiscal 2013 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $4,000,000 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/19/14)

Ingalls, Signet get tax breaks

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Pascagoula leaders this week granted two 10-year ad valorem tax exemptions to Ingalls Shipbuilding and Signet Maritime Corp. for new machinery and equipment. The property receiving the exemption has a true value of some $19.2 million. The bulk of that, about $18.1 million, is attributable to Ingalls Shipbuilding's Pascagoula yard. Ingalls, which has more than 10,000 employees and an annual payroll of $596.5 million, is receiving the exemption on hundreds of items. Tax exemptions such as these are granted by cities and counties as an incentive for companies to invest in their local operations. (Source: Mississippi Press, 12/18/14)

VT Halter cited in crane collapse

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- VT Halter Marine shipyard was cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for five safety violations in connection with the collapse of two cranes June 25. Five employees were injured when several cranes were moving a bow module of a ship at the Pascagoula yard. One crane hit the corner of a tool and equipment warehouse where people were working. OSHA issued the citations Tuesday and the proposed penalties of $29,000. (Source: Sun Herald, 12/18/14)

Contract: Raytheon, $26M

Raytheon Co. Integrated Defense Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $26,050,551 cost-plus-fixed fee contract for life cycle engineering and support services for LPD 17 class integrated shipboard electronic systems. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $132,122,998. Work will be performed in San Diego (90 percent); Norfolk, Va. (4 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (2 percent); Mayport, Fla. (2 Percent); and Japan (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2019. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-15-C-2414). (Source: DoD, 12/18/14)

Save navigation app for Mobile Bay

Interactive software that dramatically cuts the time it takes to plan safe submarine navigation is crossing over to the surface side of the U.S. Navy’s fleet; and being installed this month on the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay. Sponsored by ONR, the technology adds speed and precision the process of finding the best routes around hazards in waterways around the world. Through partial automation and use of apps and widgets, ONR’s Mission Planning Application technology can review thousands of chart markings in a fraction of the time, pinpointing potential hazards and creating optimal routes. What now takes days could now only take hours, freeing commanders to safely execute their mission. (Source: Seapower magazine, 12/16/14) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding Note: USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) was built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., and commissioned Feb. 21, 1987.

Textron NOLA begins hovercraft

NEW ORLEANS – Textron Systems New Orleans is marking the start of production of the Navy's new, aluminum-hull hovercraft that’s designed to haul heavy equipment and supplies over water and beaches. Crews are currently making a test and training model of the "Ship to Shore Connector" hull, says Tom Williams, spokesman for Textron. It's expected to be completed in 2017. Production model work is expected to start in early 2015. The contract, worth $212 million for a design/build; and another $358 million for eight craft by 2020, was announced in July 2012. The Navy ultimately plans to buy 72 production models. Textron has been making amphibious landing craft for 20 years. The older ones are being fitted with new equipment, a process expected to continue into 2016. (Source: The Associated Press, 12/15/14)

12th LPD in budget

The Senate voted Saturday night to approve a $1.1 trillion deal sending the legislation to President Barack Obama for his signature after an unusual weekend session and days of drama in the House. In the end, the Senate passed the $1.1 trillion spending bill, 56-40. Mississippi’s Ingalls Shipyard secured a 12th LPD 17 San Antonio-class amphibious warship - saving about 3,000 jobs. Also, some other key Gulf Coast provisions are: three Littoral Combat Ships - plus advanced funding for a fourth - and an 11th Joint High Speed Vessel for the Mobile, Ala.-based Austal USA shipyard; nearly $1 billion for partial funding of a new amphibious ship, LPD 28 expected to be built at Ingalls in Pascagoula; and 55 Lakota Light Utility Helicopters, which are made by Airbus Helicopters in Columbus, Miss. (Source: Defense News, 12/12/14). Gulf Coast states' senators voting for and against the measure: "Yes" is for passage: Landrieu, D-La.; Nelson, D-Fla.; Cochran, R-Miss.; Wicker, R-Miss. “No” votes: Sessions, R-Ala.; Shelby, R-Ala.; Vitter, R-La. ... Not voting: Feinstein, D-Calif.

DOD opts to upgrade LCS

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel approved Dec. 11 the Navy's plan to meet its requirement for 52 Small Surface Combatant warships by upgrading Littoral Combat Ship designs, by Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., and Lockheed Martin, instead of starting from scratch with more costly ones. SECDEF said he accepted Navy's recommendation to make the current designs more lethal and survivable by adding an array of missiles and radars. Navy acquisition chief Sean Stackley said officials would hammer out details about the upgrades in coming months; and planned to finalize strategy for buying new ships in time for the FY 2017 budget. The next eight LCS would still be in the current configuration, although some upgrades could be added. Planned upgrades to existing LCS ships would add $60-to-$75 million - less than 20 percent - to the current cost, about $360 million in the latest signed contracts, he said. The Navy has 20 LCS ships under contract, plus options for four. The next eight will still be in the current configuration, but some upgrades may be added. The final 20 ships will carry the new equipment, with the first of those ships to be procured in FY-19. (Reuters, 12/11/14).

Contract: Bath Iron Works, $21.1M

Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $21,192,127 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-2313) to exercise options for DDG 51-class lead yard services. This work will provide class engineering and design services including technical assistance to the follow shipbuilders in the interpretation and application of the detailed design developed by Bath Iron Works, the lead yard contractor. Lead yard services include: liaison for follow ship construction, general class services, class logistics services, class design contractor services, class changes design services for follow ships, noise, shock, and vibration program, and special studies. Work will be performed in Brunswick, Maine (69 percent); Bath (28 percent); Washington, D.C. (2 percent); and Pascagoula, Miss. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2015. Fiscal 2011 and 2012 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $21,192,127 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/11/14)

CG rescues rafter in Gulf

NEW ORLEANS – A Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and aircrew rescued a man from a life raft 30 miles south of Venice, La., on Dec. 10. A crewman aboard the vessel Harvey Pacer notified CG Sector New Orleans after receiving a ‘Mayday’ call from the sailing vessel Amsheet, which reported striking an unknown object. The aircrew hoisted a man aboard from a life raft and transported him back to CGASNO. There were no reported injuries. "The survivor was very well prepared with proper clothing, life preserver, life raft and a radio,” said Lt. Jay Kircher, an air station pilot. The survivor also had a satellite GPS tracking device onboard his life raft which gave the CG periodic position updates and limiting the amount of search time needed for recovery. (Coast Guard, 12/10/14). Watch GC Aerial Rescue Video.

Prez losing grip on DOD budget?

President Barack Obama may be losing some control over Defense Department budgeting that he had clawed away from military commanders. Service chiefs and Congress are conspiring to undo those sequestration spending decisions. The result is an omnibus spending package – yet to be approved - for the remainder of FY-2015 that includes money to buy lots of weapons the Pentagon didn’t request, but wants now. It amounts to more than $3 billion more in procurement funding above the Pentagon’s requests - and packed with holiday goodies for top defense contractors like aerospace giants Boeing (15 unrequested EA-18G Growlers) and Lockheed Martin (two extra F-35As). (Source: Politico, 12/10/14) Gulf Shipbuilding Note: Other items on the unfunded lists that got a boost are: The Navy’s Joint High Speed Vessel built at Austal USA shipyards in Mobile, Ala.; and a 12th LPD-17 amphibious ship to be built at HII’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss.)

House OKs next LPD-17

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a $577.1 billion measure Dec. 4 rejecting Defense Department efforts to cut costs. The legislation allows the radar-jamming A-10 ‘Thunderbolt’ aircraft to keep flying and continue purchases from Boeing. The bill passed the House 300-119. The Senate will likely follow suit next week. The Air Force tried to pressure Congress to retire the entire A-10 fleet. Industry winners: Raytheon (96 Tomahawk missiles for $82M); Boeing (five EA-18G Growlers for $450M); and Lockheed Martin, which would see DOD’s full budget request for F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The measure also allows some $800 million for one additional LPD-17 San Antonio class amphibious ship to be built at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Pascagoula, Miss., shipyard. (Source: Bloomberg, 12/04/14)

Potential freeze on LCS

U.S. lawmakers have frozen the construction of a pair of new Littoral Combat Ships – numbers 25 and 26 - until the Navy provides the House and Senate defense committees with specific analytical reports on the program, according to a newly released Congressional budget agreement. That agreement, as part of the National Defense Act for FY 2015 which Congress will vote on before Christmas, emerged from conference session between House and Senate committees responsible for passing the defense budget. The road block is the most recent in a string of controversies and disagreements – as to whether it’s lethal enough - on the future of the LCS program. The congressional agreement prevents the Navy from spending money next year on the LCS’ mission modules – surface, mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare packages - until the Navy Secretary Ray Mabus submits a report establishing goals and scheduling information about acquisition and testing. (Source: Defense Tech, 12/03/14). Gulf Coast Shipbuilding Note: Austal USA shipyard at Mobile, Ala., builds one of the two competing variants of the LCS.

HII: Cooler heads to prevail

Huntington Ingalls Industries CEO Mike Petters is optimistic that lawmakers will eventually ease budget caps on military spending that’s dampening investment in longer-term weapons research. "Cooler heads have a way of prevailing on something like this," he said. HII is initially insulated from the "sequestration" cuts - given its long-term Defense contracts - but work on new Gulf Coast and Virginia-based ship programs are going to require longer-term investment decisions. Uncertainty has made in difficult for large and small companies to invest in technologies and processes that could drive costs down, he said. DOD is facing cuts of nearly $1 trillion in projected spending over the decade. (Source: Reuters, 12/02/14) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding: HII is building the LPD-17 amphibious ship at its Pascagoula, Miss., shipyard. Petters is hoping lawmakers will fund a 12th LPD-17.

Ingalls, unions extend contract

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Union members at Ingalls Shipbuilding agreed Monday to accept a three-year extension to their contract, taking the current agreement to March 2018. The agreement includes incremental raises and a bonus. The proposal was agreed upon by the company and the Pascagoula Metal Trades Council and local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, United Federation of Special Police and Security Officers and Office and Professional Employees International Union. The International Association of Machinists did not ratify the agreement, but the union has asked for continued discussion. (Source: Mississippi Press, Sun Herald, 12/01/14)

Contract: Lockheed, $54.6M

Lockheed Martin Corp., Mission Systems and Training, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $54,632,457 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-14-C-5104) to exercise option year one for ship integration and test of the Aegis weapon system (AWS) for AWS baselines through advanced capability build (ACB) 12. The contract provides for Aegis shipboard integration engineering, Aegis test team support, Aegis modernization team engineering support, ballistic missile defense test team support, and AWS element assessments. This contract will cover the AWS ship integration and test efforts for five new construction DDG 51 class ships and the major modernization of five DDG 51 class ships. It will additionally cover the integrated combat system modifications and upgrades for all current ships with all AWS baselines up to and including ACB 12. Work will be performed in Moorestown (30 percent); Norfolk, Va. (18 percent); San Diego, Calif. (18 percent); Bath, Maine (13 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (11 percent); Washington, D.C. (6 percent); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (2 percent); Syracuse, N.Y. (1 percent); and other locations (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2015. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 12/01/14)

'Ash' Carter: SECDEF lean

Deputy Defense Secretary Robert “Bob” Work traveled to Afghanistan to visit U.S. service members during the Thanksgiving holiday, It was his second trip since being named deputy to outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel – and third overall. Hagel has resigned as the Obama Administration’s third SECDEF in six years. Work is among a handful of potential replacements. Among others are Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, former Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, former Mississippi governor and current Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. (Source: Politico, 11/26/14) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding Note: Work, who could serve in an acting capacity, was undersecretary of the Navy from 2009-13 and is considered a leading sea power expert and has advocated for the Littoral Combat Ship program. Mobile, Ala., shipyard Austal USA is one of the two builders of LCS. Mabus has recently attracted scrutiny for spending nearly $5 million on travel around the world. 2nd Gulf Coast Shipbuilding Note: President Obama has selected Ashton B. ‘Ash’ Carter to be the next defense secretary, senior White House officials said Dec. 2, elevating the physicist and former DOD chief weapons buyer to succeed Chuck Hagel. As a former deputy defense secretary, Carter helped accelerate the production and shipment of weaponry and armored vehicles to American troops during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Carter’s formal nomination is expected in the next few days, aides said. He is the only one of several top prospects who did not take himself out of the running for the job. Jeh Johnson – a contentious figure among Obama’s supporters on the political left - took his name out of play Dec. 1. (Source: NY Times, 12/03/14)

SSC design may be LCS based

Despite Chuck Hagel’s swiftly-announced resignation, the Defense Secretary will continue to “keep his foot on the pedal and moving forward” on such issues as the Small Surface Combatant (SSC) ship - a follow-on design review of the Littoral Combat Ship. Since early 2014, the Navy has been tasked to create a 20-ship class to replace LCS. SECDEF has been briefed on SSC, but hasn’t made a decision, but one is expected before January. Given the brevity of the SSC process, and costs of pursuing a totally new ship design, it appears the new design will be based on one or both of the current LCS hulls. (Source: USNI News, 11/25/14) Gulf Cost Shipbuilding Note: Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., builds the Independence class of LCS – one of two vendor-hulls still being constructed under existing Navy contracts.

OSHA cites Austal

MOBILE, Ala. – Shipbuilder Austal USA was cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 12 safety and health violations following a May 2014 complaint. Proposed penalties total $41,500. Citations were issued for lack of standard railings on staircases, improperly secured gas cylinders, overexposure of workers to copper fumes during welding operations, failure to ensure workers followed safety procedures and other violations. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to respond. OSHA has cited the facility three times in the past five years. The shipbuilding told the Mobile paper that its total recordable incident rate is "well below the industry standard" and maintaining worker safety is its "number one priority" for the more than 4,200 workers in the Mobile shipyard. (Source: OSHA, al.com, 11/19/14)

Textron begins SSC fabrication

Textron Inc. began fabrication of the Navy's first Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) at its New Orleans facility Nov. 17. In October, the Navy approved Textron to start production following its SSC Production Readiness Review. The SSC benefits from a “mature design and sound production process, paving the way for many more craft to follow ... (and) fill a critical need to recapitalize the Navy's surface connectors," said Capt. Chris Mercer, program executive office for amphibious warfare. The SSC will serve as the evolutionary replacement for the existing fleet of Landing Craft,, Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles. The SSC will be a high-speed, fully-amphibious landing craft capable of carrying a 74-ton payload with an enclosed personnel transport module that can hold up to 145 combat-equipped Marine Expeditionary Forces or 108 casualty personnel. (Naval Sea Systems Command, 11/17/14)

SSC decision by February

Senior Navy officials have made final presentations to Defense Department Secretary Chuck Hagel on its choice for a Small Surface Combatant (SSC). A decision by SECDEF Hagel, on what type ship to build after the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), should come in time “to inform” the FY 2016 budget submission - due in February 2015. The future course of the LCS program has been in doubt since last February, when Hagel directed the Navy to develop a more heavily armed warship. (Source: Defense News, 11/07/14) Gulf Coast shipbuilding: Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., builds the Independence Class LCS, one of two differing hull types, for the Navy.

LCS mine-killing drone prototype

The Navy is building a 40-foot-long unmanned surface vehicle designed to launch from a Littoral Combat Ship to detonate and destroy underwater mines while keeping ships and sailors at safe distances. The first prototype, scheduled to be finished by 2016, will pave the way for initial production of the Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS), according to Capt. David Honabach, program manager of unmanned maritime systems. The Navy hopes to have the UISS in the fleet by 2019. (Source: Defense Tech, 11/04/14) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding Note: Navy officials tested a prototype of UISS in October 2011 at NSWC Panama City, Fla.

Keel ceremony; NSC departure

Hamilton leaves Pascagoula. Ingalls photo

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding division on Wednesday authenticated the keel of the sixth U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter, Munro (WMSL 755). The ship honors Coast Guard Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro, who died in 1942 on Guadalcanal after evacuating a detachment of Marines. (Source: Huntington Ingalls Industries, 11/05/14). On Saturday, the fourth National Security Cutter built at Ingalls, Hamilton (WMSL 753), sailed away from the Pascagoula shipyard and will be commissioned Dec. 6 in Charleston, S.C.

CNO: Could lose Navy shipyards

Navy readiness won’t fully recover from 2013 sequestration if the FY-2016 Budget Control Act cuts (more sequestration) return, said CNO Adm. Jonathan Greenert. The nation might lose two of its five remaining major shipyards. “I worry about the shipbuilding industrial base.” If sequestration forces steep cuts to Navy’s shipbuilding account, the impact on the size of the fleet “would take years to manifest,” he said. Ships last for decades. Building fewer generally comes back to “bite you in a generation” … but “there’s some likelihood we lose one or two [ship] builders, and we only have five.” Bath (Maine) Iron Works; Electric Boat in Connecticut, Newport News, Va.; Ingalls, Miss.; and NASSCO in California are the “Big Five” Navy shipyards - since the Avondale (La.) closure. But the Big 5 are operated by two companies – Huntington-Ingalls Industries and General Dynamics. (Source: Breaking Defense, 11/04/14)

Ingalls launches LPD 26

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – The Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Huntington Ingalls Industries launched the company's 10th amphibious transport dock, John P. Murtha (LPD 26). LPD 26 was moved on rail cars from land to the company's floating drydock on Oct. 19. Work took place last week to prepare the ship for today's launch. Ingalls has built and delivered nine ships in the San Antonio class of ships, with LPDs 26 and 27 remaining. LPD 27, named Portland, is scheduled to launch in 2016. (Source: Huntington Ingalls Industries, 10/30/14)

Two HII women honored

Two Huntington Ingalls Industries employees were honored last week at the Society of Women Engineers' annual conference in Los Angeles. Alma Martinez Fallon, from HII's Newport News, Va., Shipbuilding division, and Dianna Genton, from the Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Miss., received recognition for their dedication to women in the engineering profession. Genton, a naval architect, received an Emerging Leader Award, one of only 10 given annually by the society. Genton is currently the technical lead for two Office of Naval Research Manufacturing Technology programs at Ingalls. (Source: HII, 10/27/14)

Work begins on Crowley ships

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- VT Halter Marine's Pascagoula shipyard has begun construction on the first of two liquefied natural gas-powered roll-on/roll-off container vessels for Crowley Maritime Corp. VT Halter announced the $350 million contract last November. Beginning of construction was marked by a steel-cutting ceremony. Delivery of the two vessels is scheduled for mid and late 2017. (Source: Mississippi Press, 10/22/14)

Contract: Austal, $8.4M

Austal USA LLC, Mobile, Ala., is being awarded an $8,440,860 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2301) to exercise an option for Littoral Combat Ship Core Class Services. Austal USA LLC will assess engineering and production challenges, as well as develop, evaluate costs and schedule risks for engineering change proposals and class baseline documentation in support of production efforts. Work will be performed in Mobile (60 percent) and Pittsfield, Mass. (40 percent), and work is expected to be completed October 2015. Fiscal 2014 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $8,440,860 will be obligated at time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 10/14/14)

Navy to commission LHA 6

The Navy will commission its newest amphibious assault ship, USS America (LHA 6), during a 1 p.m. EDT ceremony Oct. 11 in San Francisco, Calif. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Mrs. Lynne Pace, wife of retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is serving as the ship's sponsor. (Source: DoD, 10/10/14) Gulf Coast note: The ship was built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss.

Contract: Austal, $7.2M

Austal USA, Mobile, Ala., is being awarded a $7,214,198 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2301) to exercise an option for post-delivery support for Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 8. This option exercise is for post-delivery support of LCS 8 of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. Austal will perform the planning and implementation of deferred design changes that have been identified during the construction period. The corrections and upgrades are necessary to support LCS 8's sailaway and follow-on post-delivery test and trials period. Work will be performed in Mobile (70 percent); Pittsfield, Mass. (20 percent); and San Diego, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2016. Fiscal 2011 ship construction (Navy) funds in the amount of $500,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 10/09/14)

Austal Hull earns USMC pact

Austal Hull 130 Chartering LLC of Mobile, Ala., was awarded a $14,676,250 firm-fixed-price contract for the charter of a U.S.-flagged passenger/cargo vessel. The vessel will support the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force in the Far East. This contract includes two, 2-month option periods and a FAR 52.217-8 option period which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $29,861,050. Work will be performed in the Far East, and is expected to be completed by May 2016. (DOD 10/03/14)

PC completes new C4N review

The Navy successfully completed a Critical Design Review for a new Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Navigation (C4N) suite for Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) ships Oct. 2 at Panama City’s Naval Surface Warfare Center. The LCAC C4N suite, also known as the command module electronics package, is the user interface that crew members use to operate the craft. "The critical design review is an important milestone," said Senior Software Engineer Lisa Nowalk of the Panama City NSWC. (Source: Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City, Fla. 10/02/14) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding Note: Textron Marine and Land Systems of Avondale, La., was selected to build 91 LCACs. The last was delivered to the Navy in 2001. But TMLS was awarded a contract in July 2012 for a new Ship to Shore Connector craft to replace the retiring LCACs.

Work begins on new destroyer

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding on Tuesday marked the start of fabrication for the future Aegis-guided missile destroyer Paul Ignatius (DDG 117). Paul Ignatius, the ship's namesake, and his wife, Nancy Ignatius, the ship's sponsor, visited the shipyard to see steel cut for the destroyer. Paul Ignatius served as Secretary of the Navy from 1967 to 1969 and was the Assistant Secretary of Defense during President Lyndon B. Johnson's administration. The ship is the 31st Aegis destroyer to be built at Ingalls. Ingalls is building two other destroyers in addition to Paul Ignatius. John Finn (DDG 113) is scheduled to be delivered in 2016, and Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) is scheduled to be delivered in 2017. (Source: Huntington Ingalls Industries via Globe Newswire, 09/30/14)

Contract: Weeks Marine, $18.4M

Weeks Marine Inc., Covington, La., is being awarded an $18,383,017 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging at Naval Weapons Station Earle. The work to be performed provides for dredging the areas surrounding pier 3A and 4 including berths, turning basin, terminal channel, and a portion of Sandy Hook Federal Channel. Work will be performed in Earle, N.J., and is expected to be completed by September 2016. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-14-C-5232). (Source: DoD, 09/24/14)

Contract: Swiftships, $18M

Swiftships Shipbuilding, LLC, Morgan City, La., is being awarded an $18,000,000 not-to-exceed contract for the accomplishment of continuous lifecycle support for the Iraqi navy. This contract involves foreign military sales to Iraq. This contract will provide technical expertise in preventative and planned maintenance, emergent repairs, and platform overhaul support services for Iraqi patrol boats, off-shore vessels, and defender boats. Work will be performed on Umm Qasr Naval Base, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by October 2015. FMS funding in the amount of $9,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and the contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(4). Per FAR 6.302-4(a)(2) - full and open competition need not be provided for when precluded by the terms of an international agreement or a treaty between the United States and a foreign government or international organization, or the written directions of a foreign government reimbursing the agency for the cost of the acquisition of the supplies or services for such government. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-14-C-4217). (Source: DoD, 09/23/14)

Contract: Offshore Svc Vessels, $8.8M

Offshore Service Vessels, Inc., Cut Off, La., is being awarded an $8,798,690 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00033-13-C-2001) to exercise a one-year option for the time charter of maritime support vessel MV C-Champion. The vessel is used as a platform for launching and recovering small boats; refueling and provisioning small boats; and assisting with limited maintenance for small boats. The vessel also provides support to maritime security operations. Work will be performed worldwide, and is expected to be completed by October 2015. Working capital contract funds in the amount of $8,798,690 are obligated for fiscal 2015 subject to availability of funds. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 09/23/14)

Keel authentication held

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – Ingalls Shipbuilding today held a keel authentication ceremony for the 30th Aegis destroyer built by the Jackson County shipyard. The ship, DDG 114, will be named the USS Ralph Johnson in honor of Marine Corps PFC Ralph Henry Johnson, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for throwing himself on a grenade to save others during the Vietnam War. DDG 114 is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2017. (Source: Mississippi Press, 09/23/14)

JHSV 4 delivered to Navy

MOBILE, Ala. -- The Navy accepted delivery of Joint High Speed Vessel, the future USNS Fall River, from Austal USA today. USNS Fall River is the Navy's fourth Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). The vessels are non-combatant transport ships built from a commercial design with limited modifications for military use. These ships enable the fast, intra-theater transport of troops, military vehicles and equipment. Each JHSV is capable of transporting 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. The unique characteristics of JHSVs include a versatile off-load ramp and flight deck for helicopter operations. This further enhances port access and the Navy's operations in littoral areas. (Source: NNS, 09/15/14)

Hamilton delivered to Navy

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding delivered the National Security Cutter Hamilton (WMSL 753) to the U.S. Coast Guard today. The ship will be commissioned in Charleston, S.C., on Dec. 6. It's the fourth Legend-class ship built by Ingalls, and three more are currently under construction. A seventh NSC, Kimball (WMSL 756), is scheduled to begin construction in early 2015. Hamilton will sail away from Ingalls on Nov. 1 en route to Charleston. The ships are 418 feet long and displace 4,500 tons with a full load. They have a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles, an endurance of 60 days and a crew of 120. (Source: Huntington Ingalls Industries, 09/15/14)

GC-built PCs arrive at 5th Fleet

MANAMA, Bahrain - The U.S. Navy has added two additional Coastal Patrol (PC) ships to the 5th Fleet’s maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf. The USS Hurricane (PC-3) and USS Monsoon (PC-4) – both built by Bollinger Marine of Lockport, La. - arrived here and brought the number of ships to 10. Their arrival also completed a Navy realignment plan to increase the Coastal Patrol ship presence across the 5th Fleet. Since arriving Aug. 13 on a commercial shipping vessel, the crews have been conducting maintenance and bringing systems online. Once fully operational, the two Bollinger-built ships will help spread the high operational tempo of the 10-PC fleet. (Source: Stars and Stripes, 09/10/14)

Weeks Marine dredge pact

Weeks Marine Inc. of Covington, La., was awarded an $18,700,000 firm-fixed-price contract with options for Mississippi River hopper dredge disposal from Baton Rouge to the Gulf of Mexico. Work will be performed in Baton Rouge with an estimated completion date of Feb. 10, 2015. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with two received. Fiscal 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $18,700,000 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W812P8-14-C-0055). (Source: DOD 09/09/14)

GC-built amphib gaining experience

About 1,500 Sailors and Marines have been busily testing the capabilities of the Navy’s newest amphibious assault ship during a two-month transit, after leaving its Pascagoula, Miss., shipyard in July. USS America (LHA 6) is traveling and stopping along the way around the tip of South America, while headed to its California homeport. Sailors and Marines have engaged with allies in Colombia, Brazil, Chile and Peru. Ship CO Capt. Robert Hall Jr. requested Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force South tag along with four MV-22B Ospreys. There’s not a lot of Navy-MC experience with Ospreys. But America doesn’t have a well-deck; yet, built for Marine aviation’s Ospreys and vertical takeoff and landing F-35B Joint Strike Fighters. Not having a well deck has made Sailors think differently, said Rear Adm. Fernandez “Frank” Ponds, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3. It symbolizes a new era in the “blue-green partnership” and is a “tremendous asset that gives a commander utility to do things that could’ve never been done before,” Ponds said. America is an “air-centric platform” resembling a “mini-Marine Corps aircraft carrier,” said Gen. John Kelly, head of the U.S. Southern Command, headquartered in Tampa, Fla. After the second America-class, future Navy amphibs will be built with well decks. (Source: Marine Corps Times, 09/07/14)

Covington firm earns Navy mod pact

Hornbeck Offshore Services of Covington, La., is being issued a $19,754,900 modification under a previously awarded Navy contract to exercise a 180-day option to extend services for the long-term time charter of U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged, contractor-owned and -operated surface escort vessels HOS Black Powder, HOS Westwind, HOS Eagle View, and HOS Arrowhead. The vessels are used to escort U.S. Navy assets transiting in and out of Navy ports. Work will be performed on the East and West coasts and is expected to be completed by February 2015. Navy working capital funds in the amount of $19,754,900 will be obligated in fiscal 2014, and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Military Sealift Command of Washington, DC, is the contracting activity. (Source: DOD 08/29/14)

Contracts: Multiple, $6B

Nine companies have each been awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price option-year two modifications for international ocean and intermodal distribution services (Universal Services Contract-7). They are: Maersk Line Ltd., Norfolk, Va., estimated $524,715,094, (P00211 to HTC711-12-D-W013); American President Lines Ltd., Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz., estimated $445,421,902 (P00120 to HTC711-12-D-W003); Farrell Lines Inc., Norfolk, Va., estimated $141,326,919 (P00029 to HTC711-12-D-W008); American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier LLC, Park Ridge, N.J., estimated $138,236,665 (P00107 to HTC711-12D-W004); Liberty Global Logistics LLC, Lake Success, N.Y., estimated $90,428,969 (P00075 to HTC711-12-D-W012); Hapag-Lloyd USA, LLC, Tampa, Fla., estimated $84,616,444 (P00065 to HTC711-12-D-W011); Central Gulf Lines Inc., Mobile, Ala., estimated $35,555,037 (P00046 to HTC711-12-D-W005); Foss International Inc., Seattle, Wash., estimated $12,512,210 (P00025 to HTC711-12-D-W009); Matson Navigation Company Inc., Oakland, Calif., estimated $9,645,286 (P00034 to HTC711-12-D-W014). The modifications bring the total cumulative face value of the program to $5,932,834,105. Work will be performed worldwide as specified on each individual order, with an expected completion date of Aug. 31, 2015. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 and 2015 transportation working capital funds to be obligated on individual task orders. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 08/28/14)

Contract: Textron, $21.9M

Textron Inc., New Orleans, La., is being awarded a $21,904,620 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-2401) for the construction of Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 101 of the ship-to-shore connector (SSC) program. The SSC program is the functional replacement for the existing fleet of LCAC vehicles, which are nearing the end of their service life. It is an air cushion vehicle designed for a 30-year service life. The SSC mission is to land surface assault elements in support of operational maneuver from the sea, at over-the-horizon distances, while operating from amphibious ships and mobile landing platforms. SSC provides increased performance to handle current and future missions, as well as improvements which will increase craft availability and reduce total ownership cost. Work will be performed in New Orleans (93.5 percent); Huntington Beach, Calif. (2 percent); Chanhassen, Minn. (2 percent); Coronado, Calif. (1.5 percent); and Minneapolis, Minn. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2017. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation contract funds in the amount of $2,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 08/27/14)

Hamilton wraps up sea trials

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding division announced Monday the completion of acceptance sea trials for the company's fourth U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter, Hamilton (WMSL 753). The ship was underway for a two-day period in the Gulf of Mexico, performing numerous tests and demonstrations of shipboard systems for the Board of Inspection and Survey. Tests involved propulsion, anchor handling, steering and combat systems. The testing culminated in the successful completion of a full-power propulsion run. (Source: Ingalls Shipbuilding, 08/18/14)

Ports benefit from canal delays

After weeks of delays due to a construction dispute, the Panama Canal’s $5.2 billion expansion is expected to be operational by January 2016 – six months late. What impact will the canal’s expansion have on break-bulk shippers and will delays strengthen the hand of Gulf Coast ports? In a recent impact report on breakbulk and containerized traffic, researcher Anthony Ross at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, concludes export growth in seven Eastern states (including Georgia and South Carolina). Since that report, Ross has suggested looking westward, along Gulf Coast bulkbreak ports like Houston and Gulfport, Miss., for higher volumes of traffic. The Eastern states assumption advantage “may not be true.” Nevertheless, Ross believes breakbulk volumes along Gulf Coast ports may eventually benefit from a delay in the expansion of the canal, as some Midwest shippers divert traffic from West Coast ports. (Breakbulk magazine 08/15/14)

Gulf-built PCs join 5th Fleet

The final two Cyclone-class patrol craft (PC) arrived as part of the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain on Aug. 13 bringing the total number to 10. USS Hurricane (PC-3) and USS Monsoon (PC-4) are to be part of a plus-up of smaller ships to ease the stress of the Navy’s larger Arleigh Burke destroyers (DDG-51). The Navy has operated PCs within the 5th Fleet to focus on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman since 2003. “This class of ship is ideal for working in this area,” said Capt. Brendan McLane, commander, Destroyer Squadron 50. The ships are, “used to escort larger ships, provide maritime security, protect infrastructure, as well as participate in exercises with allies and regional partners,” according to the fleet statement and reported by USNI. (Source: USNI 08/14/14) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding Note: The 14 Cyclone-class Patrol Craft were constructed by Bollinger Shipyard in Lockport, La.)

New cutter to be christened

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- The fifth Legend class U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter, James (WMSL 754), will be christened Saturday at Ingalls Shipbuilding. The ship is named for Capt. Joshua James of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which became part of the Coast Guard in 1915. James is credited with saving hundreds of lives starting when he was 15. He died in 1902. Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger, vice commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, will be the keynote speaker at the christening. Mrs. Charlene James Benoit, great-great niece of the ship's namesake, is the ship sponsor. Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., will also speak at the ceremony. (Source: Ingalls, 08/13/14)

VT Halter launches ship

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – The 692-foot Marjorie C hit the waters of Bayou Casotte with a mighty splash and hearty applause during a VT Halter Marine launching ceremony Saturday morning. Marjorie C has the ability to carry 1,500 TEUs above and under deck, as well as vehicles and over-high and wide cargo on 10 workable decks, and it will have a vehicle shipping capacity of 2,750 units. At more than 25,000 metric tons, Marjorie C is the largest vessel ever launched by VT Halter. It's being built for Honolulu-based Pasha Hawaii, which offers transport between the West Coast and Hawaii for a variety of vehicles, yachts, heavy machinery and oversized cargo. (Source: Mississippi Press, 08/09/14)

Banner year for LCS rollouts

Both variants of the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships are being cranked out in an anticipated 2015 banner-year fashion. On Aug. 5, the Mobile, Ala.-based Austal USA Shipyard rolled out its Independence-class Montgomery (LCS 8) from its building shed onto a Mobile River barge. The LCS was then moved up river and transferred to a floating drydock. The LCS was launched Aug. 6 when the drydock was taken to deeper water and flooded. In Marinette, Wis., Lockheed Martin’s shipbuilding partner at Fincantieri Marinette Marine rolled out Freedom-class’ Detroit (LCS 7) back on June 27. The launch won’t take place until sometime the fall. Marinette is one of the few builders to use the sideways-launch. Each shipyard plans to deliver two LCS for the in 2015. It will mark the first time four LCSs will be delivered in a single calendar year, according to a Defense News blog. (Source: Defense News 08/07/14.)

Ingalls delivers composite deckhouse

GULFPORT, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered the composite deckhouse for the destroyer Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) to the U.S. Navy. The 900-ton deckhouse provides an advanced structure that will house the ship's bridge, radars, antennae and intake/exhaust systems and is designed to provide a significantly smaller radar cross-section than any other ship in today's fleet. The deckhouse will be placed on a barge and shipped to General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine to be integrated onto the steel hull of DDG 1001. Ingalls built and delivered the composite deckhouse and hangar for DDGs 1000 and 1001 at the company's Composite Center of Excellence in Gulfport. (Source: Ingalls Shipbuilding, 08/07/14) Previous

JHSV 4 completes trials

The Austal USA-built Joint High-Speed Vessel Fall River (JHSV 4) has completed its last significant milestone, before delivery to the Navy, concluding acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico at the end of July. The ship passed a number of comprehensive tests while underway demonstrating the operation of its major systems and equipment. "Each ship of this class leverages lessons learned from previously-delivered vessels," Strategic and Theater Sealift Program Manager Capt. Henry Stevens, told Aviation Week. "JHSV-4 is no exception." Since delivery of JHSV 1, the ships have supported operations in European, African, Southern and Pacific regions. JHSV-4 is being prepared for delivery to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command later this year. Austal builds JHSVs at its Mobile, Ala., shipyard. Austal’s contract was for $1.6 billion. (Source: Aviation Week 08/05/14)

Halter earns new barge pacts

ESCATAWPA, Miss. - More ships are in the works to be built here at VT Halter Marine. The company announced Friday it had been awarded new contracts to build two tug barges for Brouchard Transportation Co., Inc. VT Halter Marine officials say the work will bring about 40 new jobs to South Mississippi. Construction on the tugs is set to begin this fall; and finished by summer 2016. (Source: WLOX 08/01/14)

Port eyes shipping vehicles

MOBILE, Ala. -- The Alabama State Port Authority has identified a site for a $54 million automotive shipping terminal, according to the authority director and chief executive. Speaking to the Economic Development Association of Alabama's Summer 2014 Conference at Point Clear, across the bay in Baldwin County, Jimmy Lyons said that some of the vehicles produced in Alabama and surrounding states are bound for other countries, and the new terminal would allow for roll-on, roll-off operations. The terminal could be ready in a year or two. (Source: al.com, 07/30/14) The port has been used in the past to bring in vehicles from Mexico.

Ingalls-built LHA 6 delivers

USS AMERICA At Sea - The future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) sailed away from Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., en route to her new San Diego homeport on July 11. But, unlike other ships making maiden voyages, America embarked Marine units to immediately begin amphibious operations. After only five days at sea, more than 40 Marines and Navy corpsmen – from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force South - boarded two MV-22 Ospreys; and marking the first Expeditionary Strike Group 3 mission launched from America's flight deck. As the Ospreys touched down, the Marines and corpsmen sprang into action ready for joint maneuvers with Columbian marines at the International Center for Amphibious Training in Covenas, Colombia. U.S. forces were split into four information exchange groups: medical combat casualty, IEDs, hand-to-hand combat, and a small-arms live-fire weapons shoot. The IED exchange, which is “very significant” for Columbia, was an important station. The country has been at war with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), a terrorist organization, for 50 years. (Source: USS America 07/25/14)

LCS to test Norwegian missile

USS Coronado (LCS 4) will get a chance at an historic moment in September when it fires the first-ever surface-to-surface Norwegian missile from a Littoral Combat Ship in tests off southern California. Coronado, built in Mobile, Ala., by Austal USA, will test-launch the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) at the Naval Air Warfare Center's extensively-instrumented missile range. (Source: Navy Times 07/24/14)

NAVSEA praises HII, LCS

Vice Adm. William Hilarides, commander of Naval Sea Systems Command, told an audience at a Navy League breakfast in Virginia that he was pleased with the quality of ships being built for the Navy. In his business “you have to have an infinite capacity for bad news,” but stressed there was plenty of good news in the defense shipbuilding arena. He was impressed with the new amphibious assault ship America, which was build at Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. It “was a real testament” to HII getting “quality right.” Also, the admiral remained bullish on the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) program noting that the first two production versions (LCS 5 and 6) are next to be commissioned and that will begin a rapid fielding of LCS. “I am a massive LCS fan,” he said, and “very happy with the quality.” There are two variants being built. Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., builds the Independence class; and a group from General Dynamics builds the Freedom class. The Navy eventually will select one type of combat system – surface, or mine countermeasures - for both classes. (Source: Sea Power 07/14/14).

NSC completes builders trials

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – Huntington Ingalls Industries announced today the successful completion of builder's sea trials for the company's fourth U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter, Hamilton (WMSL 753). The ship, built by HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding, spent three full days at sea testing the ship's propulsion, electrical, damage control, anchor handling, small boat operations and combat systems, culminating in a four-hour, full-power propulsion run. Ingalls has delivered the first three NSCs, and three more are currently under construction. A seventh NSC, Kimball (WMSL 756), is scheduled to begin construction in early 2015. (Source: Huntington Ingalls, 07/18/14)

Contract: Ingalls, $23.5M

Huntington Ingalls Inc., Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a $23,499,948 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-13-C-2402) for early industry involvement associated with the LHA(R) Program Flight 1 (LHA 8) ship design to initiate an affordability design phase. The early industry involvement contracts were awarded to U.S. shipyards that have the facilities and resources to build a large deck amphibious assault ship without major re-capitalization. Work will be performed in Pascagoula and is expected to be completed by May 2015. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation contract funds in the amount of $19,740,760 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 07/17/14)

LHA 6 heads to California

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Crowds gathered on both sides of the river to send off the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship Friday morning. America, LHA 6, set sail from Ingalls Shipbuilding at about 9:30 a.m. LHA 6, which can accommodate 1,059 crew and 1,687 Marines, is slated for a commissioning on Oct. 11 in San Francisco, Calif. It will be homeported in San Diego. The ship can carry a variety of aircraft, including 12 MV-22 Osprey vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, nine F-35B joint strike fighters, four AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, four CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters and two MH-60S search and rescue helicopters. (Source: Mississippi Press, 07/11/14)

Ingalls to start buying for 8th NSC

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding has been awarded a $76.5 million fixed-price contract from the U.S. Coast Guard to purchase long-lead materials for the eighth National Security Cutter (NSG), Midgett (WMSL 757). Construction and delivery of Midgett would take place at the company's Pascagoula facility. The funds will be used to purchase steel, the main propulsion systems, generators, electrical switchboards and major castings. NSGs, the flagships of the Coast Guard's cutter fleet, are designed to replace the 378--foot Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters. Ingalls has delivered the first three NSGs. The fourth, Hamilton (WMSL 753), will have builder's sea trials later this summer. The fifth, James (WMSL 754), recently launched and will be christened in August, and the keel for the sixth NSC, Munro (WMSL 755), will be laid later this year. (Source: Ingalls, 06/30/14)

HII revamping ship designs

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) dominates the Navy and Coast Guard ship-construction sector with eight production contracts. Officials at HII, cognizant of what’s potentially ahead, are aligning themselves with a single customer (Navy) and turning their attentions to that future. However, the Navy’s recent appetite for tailored ships has been suppressed by financial realities and buying challenges. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert wants to defend the nation’s shipbuilding industrial base, but isn’t going to tolerate expensive designs and systems. Instead, CNO is pushing a concept to employ common system architecture designs across ship classes and adaptability to modular warfare packages. In tandem, CNO has initiated an effort to pare down the types of platform components and equipment the Navy buys – nuts and bolts to combat systems. This commonality is designed to simplify support and training, plus reduce costs. Industry’s challenge is to meet the Navy’s future warship requirements with few component types, at a reduced cost and with greater capability. For HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Miss., where they construct Navy amphibious and surface warships, and CG national security cutters, the sea-service’s ‘payloads and platforms’ concept forms the core that executives have wrapped the company’s business strategy around. (Source: IHS Jane’s Navy International 06/14)

RR closing plant foundry

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Rolls-Royce North America is closing the foundry at its Pascagoula plant and expects to lose 24 of the 47 employees it has there. The plant casts and hones ship propellers, and the downsizing will take place over the next 18 months. "The shipbuilding and ship repair business is shrinking and our customers are looking for steep price reductions," said Joel Reuter, vice president of communications for Rolls Royce North America. While the plant won't pour the castings for huge ship propellers, they will be brought to the facility for machining from other foundries. The Pascagoula plant has been in business for decades and in the early 2000s added the high-end machining operations. Rolls-Royce also operates outdoor jetliner engine test stands at Stennis Space Center, Miss. (Source: Sun Herald, Mississippi Press, 06/26/14)

Shipyard cranes fall, five hurt

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Five people were injured, one seriously, after the collapse Wednesday of two cranes moving part of a ship under construction at VT Halter Marine. The accident was at the yard on Bayou Casotte Parkway. Jack Prendergast, executive vice president of VT Halter, said a group of cranes in the yard were lifting a bow module at the time. Two of the largest cranes in the yard collapsed and one hit the corner of a warehouse where people were working. The accident is under investigation. (Source: Sun Herald, 06/25/14)

LHA 7 keel authenticated

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- The keel laying and authentication ceremony for the amphibious assault ship, the future USS Tripoli (LHA 7) was held at the Huntington Ingalls Industries Pascagoula shipyard Friday. The ceremony traditionally marked the first step in ship construction. With today's advanced modular shipbuilding, the keel laying ceremony now recognizes the joining together of a ship's components and is a major milestone in the ship's construction. Fabrication of Tripoli started in July 2013. The design of the future Tripoli is more aviation-oriented. It features an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity. The ship will be the first LHA replacement ship to deliver fully ready to integrate the entire future air combat element of the Marine Corps, including the F-35B. LHA 7 will be 844 feet long and will be capable of operating at speeds of over 20 knots. (Source: NNS, 06/21/14)

Keel ceremony set

PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant will speak Friday at a keel authentication ceremony at Ingalls Shipbuilding for the amphibious assault ship Tripoli (LHA 7). It will join LHA 6 as the first two ships in the new America class of amphibious assault ships for the Navy. It will accommodate 1,204 crew and 1,871 troops. (Source: Sun Herald, 06/19/14)

LCS 4 completes contract trials

USS Coronado (LCS 4), the second Mobile, Ala.-built Independence class Littoral Combat Ship, successfully completed it final contract trials June 6 off the coast of San Diego. The Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey trial period is part of a series of post-delivery events through which the ship and its major systems are exercised. "It is clear that the changes incorporated into Coronado, based on lessons learned from the construction and operation of USS Independence, have contributed not only to her affordability, but to her operational capability," said Capt. Tom Anderson, LCS program manager. In 2015 the ship will execute an Initial Operation Test and Evaluation with its surface warfare mission package embarked and then go to sea on its first deployment. (Source: NAVSEA 06/09/14)

GAO denies HII challenge

The Government Accountability Office denied protests by Huntington Ingalls Industries and VT Halter Marine, both of Pascagoula, Miss., challenging a decision by Coast Guard to award three contracts for preliminary and contract design of its Offshore Patrol Cutter to Bath (Maine) Iron Works; Bollinger Shipyards of Lockport, La.; and Eastern Shipbuilding Group of Panama City, Fla. Each of the preliminary design contracts is valued at about $22 million. The decision addresses both the initial protests, and supplemental issues raised by the companies. The Coast Guard announced its decision June 4, but was not made public. The GAO decision was issued under a protective order. The CG plans to pick a single yard to move on to detail design and construction. (Source: Navy Times 06/05/14) Bollinger has built a number of CG cutter classes; and is producing Sentinel-class fast response cutters. Eastern is a relatively new shipyard with concentrations in commercial shipbuilding. The OPC award is its first government contract. HII builds large cutters for the CG and is the most prolific builder of Navy ships. VT Halter specializes in small ship construction and builds ships for several government agencies.

Command getting new leader

Capt. Timothy C. Gallaudet, selected for the rank of rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Stennis Space Center, Miss. Gallaudet is currently serving as executive assistant to Oceanographer/Navigator of the Navy, N2/N6E, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. (Source: DoD, 06/02/14)

SUPSHIP, LCS innovator retires

How does a junior hospital corpsman retire as a senior surface warfare officer known for turning future warships into technologically advanced combatants? That's the career of Capt. Michael Smith, who retired from command of Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren, Va. In previous tours, Smith was supervisor of shipbuilding and Aegis test officer in Pascagoula, Miss. He also served at the Pentagon as Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program’s resource officer where he wrote the foundational documents for the entire ship class of LCS. (Source: NSWC Dahlgren, 05/30/14) Gulf Coast note: One of the two LCS variants is built at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.

Tripoli: Next Ingalls LHA

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announced May 30 that the next “big-deck” amphibious ship will be named USS Tripoli (LHA 7). It will be built at Huntington Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. Mabus’ wife, Lynne, will be the ship’s sponsor. "I feel especially glad to be the sponsor," said Mrs. Mabus, "because of so many things that are close to my family and my heart." Mrs. Mabus’ grandfather worked for decades at Ingalls; and her grandmother was a “real life ‘Rosie the Riveter’ during World War II." SECNAV Mabus is a former Mississippi governor. (Source: Navy News Service, 06/02/14)

Contract: Northrop, $20.9M

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $20,917,239 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6311) to provide integration services for mission packages that will deploy from and integrate with the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The Navy's plan is to use continuous evaluation of system maturity through a disciplined system engineering framework to improve mission capability in identified mission areas. LCS mission packages will be optimized for flexibility in the littorals. Work will be performed in Bethpage (44 percent); Oxnard, Calif., (16 percent); Washington, D.C., (14 percent); Panama City, Fla., (10 percent); Dahlgren, Va., (8 percent); San Diego, Calif., (4 percent); Hollywood, Md., (2 percent); Andover, Mass., (1 percent); and Middletown, R.I., (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2015. Fiscal 2014 and 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2014 and 2015 research, development, test and evaluation; and fiscal 2015 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $20,917,239 will be obligated at time of award. Contract funds in the amount of $5,611,140 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 05/30/14)

Halter delivers Bouchard ATB

South Mississippi’s VT Halter Marine has delivered an ocean-going articulated tug barge (ATB) to Bouchard Transportation, a 96-year-old New York state total service oil barging company. The 80,000 barrel-holding Denise A. Bouchard tug will join the firm’s existing ATBs as part of its fleet expansion strategy. VT Halter Marine began construction of the 112-foot Bouchard tug in March 2013 and laid its keel two months later at its Moss Point Marine facility in Escatawpa, Miss. The vessel is the sister ship of the Evening Star, which was delivered in October 2012. (Source: Ship Technology, 05/30/14)

Vessels for Egypt hitch a ride

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Two fast missile craft built in Mississippi for the Egyptian Navy were loaded onto a civilian transport ship in Pensacola Bay Sunday. The publication Defense News reports that the crafts' officers have been training at NAS Pensacola since July 2013. (Source: Pensacola News Journal, 05/25/14) VT Halter Marine of Pascagoula, Miss., in 2011 received a four-craft contract valued at $807 million to build the vessels. A story in the Mississippi Press at that time said the first vessel would be delivered in the fourth-quarter of 2012. The craft perform coastal patrol, surveillance, interdiction, surface strike and naval battle group support. Egypt planned to use the vessels to patrol its coastal waterways of the Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal.

Admiral gets new assignment

The Navy today announced today that Rear Adm. (lower half) Brian B. Brown, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as deputy commander, Joint Functional Component Command Space, U.S. Strategic Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Brown is currently serving as commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Stennis Space Center, Miss. (Source: DoD, 05/16/14)

HII to enter energy field

Huntington Ingalls Industries of Newport News, Va., parent of Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., announced today that it entered an agreement to acquire UniversalPegasus International Holdings, a provider of engineering and project management services to the domestic and international energy markets. The transaction, subject to customary reviews, is expected to close in June. UPI has some 1,500 employees and has provided a broad range of engineering and project management services to the energy industry for over 50 years. (Source: Huntington Ingalls, 05/16/14)

Contract: Ingalls, $12.2M

Huntington Ingalls Inc., Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a $12,168,588 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-2312) to exercise options for DDG 51 class follow yard services (FYS). The FYS provides necessary engineering, technical, material procurement and production support; configuration; class flight upgrades and new technology support; data and logistics management; lessons learned analysis; post-delivery tests and trials; post-shakedown availability support; reliability and maintainability; system safety program support; material and fleet turnover support; shipyard engineering team; turnkey; crew indoctrination, design tool/design standardization, detail design development, and other technical and engineering analyses for the purpose of supporting DDG 51 class ship construction and tests and trials. Work will be performed in Pascagoula (97 percent) and Washington, D.C. (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2015. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 05/13/14)

PC to award LCS computers pact

Panama City, Fla., Naval Surface Warfare Center intends to award a sole source firm fixed-price commercial order to DY4 Inc., (DBA) Curtiss Wright Controls Defense Solutions of Ashburn, Va., to acquire 36 SVME-181-100 single board computers. These computers have been specifically evaluated and tested against Naval Sea Systems Command technical requirements for Littoral Combat Ships' multi-vehicle control system. (Source: FedBizOps, 05/08/14) Panama City NSWC also produces the plug-in, mine-countermeasures warfare package for LCS. Austal USA in Mobile, Ala., builds one of the two variants of LCS for the Navy.

Ingalls launches WMSL 754

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding launched the U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter James (WMSL 754) on Saturday. It's the company's fifth NSC. Ingalls' launch process moves the ship on rail cars over to the company's drydock. The dock is moved away from the pier and then flooded to float the ship. Tugs then guide the ship to its berthing area where it will complete construction. Ingalls has delivered the first three NSCs and has three more under construction, including James. Hamilton (WMSL 753) will undergo sea trials this summer and is expected to deliver later this year. Ingalls' sixth NSC, Munro (WMSL 755), began construction late last year and will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2015. The seventh ship, Kimball (WMSL 756), is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2018. The Legend-class ships are 418 feet long and have a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles, an endurance of 60 days and a crew of 110. (Source: Ingalls Shipbuilding, Mississippi Press, 05/06/14)

NOLA to host navigation session

The Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Army Corps of Engineers will hold 2014 discussions on navigational aid technology and how it will affect the future of America's waterways. New Orleans will host one of those Future of Navigation-21st Century Waterways sessions on May 7 at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. The venues are for open communications between federal agencies and U.S. Maritime Transportation System stakeholders to discuss joint federal initiatives to use technology to support a safe, efficient, secure and environmentally-sound marine transport system. The public listening sessions are to provide the maritime communities and waterways stakeholders with opportunities to express emerging needs for navigational information and service systems necessary to improve the f transiting of the nation's waterways. For additional information contact Lt. Torrey Jacobsen at (202) 372-1543. (Source: Coast Guard, 05/01/14)

Austal-built JHSV completes ops

The Navy's first-in-class Joint High Speed Vessel, USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), left the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations Friday after more than three months deployed within the European and African theaters. Spearhead embarked a Marine squad for a crisis response exercise off the coast of Liberia; conducted maritime security operations, two multinational maritime exercises - Saharan Express and Obangame Express – and bi-lateral maritime law enforcement operation. The crew also delivered 46 pallets of humanitarian items, 22.5 tons, donated by private companies to non-governmental organizations as part of the U.S. Navy's Project Handclasp in Lagos, Nigeria. (Source: Navy News Service, 05/03/14) Gulf Coast note: Spearhead was delivered by Austal USA, Mobile, Ala., to the Navy in December 2012. It has contracted to build nine JHSVs. Previous: JHSV joins exercise; JHSV 1 on maiden deployment

LCS supporter Work confirmed

Retired Marine Colonel, and Littoral Combat Ship supporter, Robert Work was confirmed by the Senate on April 30 as the new deputy secretary of defense. That places the 27-year military veteran as the Defense Department’s front man to battle with Congress over military pay, Tricare fees, weapons systems and the rebalance of forces. The 61-year-old Work, a former Navy undersecretary who clashed in confirmation hearings with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., over support for the LCS, will also be closely watched by the defense industry. After retiring from the Marines, Work became a senior fellow for maritime affairs and later VP for strategic studies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. He was Navy undersecretary from 2009-13. (Source: Military.com, 05/01/14) Gulf Coast note: Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala., builds one of the two Littoral Combat Ship variants.

JHSV joins exercise

GULF OF GUINEA – The Navy's first-in-class Joint High Speed Vessel, the Austal-built USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), participated in exercise Obangame Express along with European, Atlantic and African partners April 16-21. The U.S. Africa Command-sponsored exercise is designed to improve cooperation, interdiction expertise and information sharing among West and Central African maritime forces. JHSV 1, built in Mobile, Ala., is scheduled to visit more than 22 nations while traveling more than 15,000 nautical miles. (Source: Navy News Service, 04/23/14) Previous: JHSV to test railgun; JHSV 1 on maiden deployment; Keel ceremony held for Trenton

Contract: Northrop, $25M

Northrop Grumman, Annapolis, Md., is being awarded a $25,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N61331-10-D-0009) for the continuation of depot level repair, maintenance, related engineering services, change kits and integrated logistics support documentation for the AN/AQS-14A Sonar Detecting Set, AQS-24 Mine Hunting System, ALQ-141 Acoustic Minehunting/Minesweeping System, USM-668 Intermediate Level Test Equipment (ILTE) and the Modified USM-668A ILTE and the Swivel Slip-Ring Assembly. Work will be performed in Annapolis, Md., and is expected to be completed by February 2015. No funding will be obligated at time of award and contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 04/22/14)

Contract: General Dynamics, $28.7M

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $28,697,034 undefinitized contract action modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-2302) for Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) class design services. LCS class design services provide necessary engineering, program, and technical support for LCS class ships. This includes class baseline design services, class documentation services, class engineering studies and interim support services. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine (54 percent); Pittsfield, Mass. (45 percent); and Mobile, Ala. (1 percent), and work is expected to be complete by May 2015. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 04/22/14)

Contract: Alion, $25M

Alion Science and Technology Corp., Washington, D.C., is being awarded a $25,002,968 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-4401) for additional professional support services in support of the Surface Warfare Directorate. This modification will continue professional support services in support of SEA21 Surface Warfare Fleet Support. Specific services include, but are not limited to: program management, engineering, logistics, technical, planning and readiness, fleet introduction training and financial management support services. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C. (56 percent), Norfolk, Va. (23 percent), San Diego, Calif. (6 percent), Pascagoula, Miss. (6 percent), Bath, Maine (3 percent), Mayport, Fla. (2 percent), Japan (2 percent), and other locations less than 1 percent (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2014. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance, Navy contract funds in the amount of $24,762,968 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 04/14/14)

Avondale opportunities explored

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Huntington Ingalls Industries said it will conduct a study with Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, LP to explore redeveloping Huntington Ingalls Industries' Avondale shipyard in Louisiana. Since the July 2010 announcement to close Avondale, HII has sought a way to redevelop the facility. The study will explore and evaluate best-use opportunities. Once the study is completed, HII and Kinder Morgan Energy Partners may pursue the formation of a joint venture for Avondale site. The site on the Mississippi River offers access to major markets by truck, rail and sea. (Source: Huntington Ingalls, 04/11/14)

Ingalls to deliver LHA 6

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding will deliver the amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6) on Thursday. The ceremony begins with the ship's crew marching through the shipyard at 11 a.m., followed by a noon ceremony. America-class ships are 844 feet long and 106 feet wide. It will have a crew of 1,059 and 1,687 troops. The America class will be capable of carrying a Marine Expeditionary Unit, including Marine helicopters, MV‐22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and F‐35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. The ship has an increased aviation capacity to include an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity. (Source: Ingalls, 04/09/14)

Ingalls to hire 2,500 this year

Brian Cuccias, Ingalls Shipbuilding's new president, said the Pascagoula, Miss., shipyard is looking to hire 2,500 craft workers this year. He made the comment during a Huntington Ingalls Industries overview at the Navy League Sea Air Space 2014 Expo in Washington. "We're well on our way to that," said Cuccias, noting that Mississippi's largest employer now has 12,000 workers. "We have a real push to pull veterans into the yard." The shipyard has a $10 billion backlog of work into 2018, including a $3.3 billion contract to build five DDG 51 class ships. (Source: Mississippi Press, Defense News, 04/08/14)

JHSV to test railgun

Electromagnetic railgun. Navy photo

The Navy plans to test a prototype electromagnetic railgun aboard a joint high speed vessel in fiscal year 2016, the service said today. It will mark the first time an EM railgun is demonstrated at sea. Railguns use an electromagnetic force, known as the Lorenz Force, to rapidly accelerate and launch a projectile between two conductive rails. The launch is at such high velocities that it can achieve greater ranges than conventional guns and maintains enough kinetic energy that it doesn't require any kind of high explosive payload. High-energy EM railguns are expected to be lethal and effective against multiple threats, including enemy warships, small boats, aircraft, missiles and land-based targets. The final system will be able to launch guided, multi-mission projectiles to a range of 110 nautical miles. The Navy is using a JHSV because of its available cargo and topside space and schedule flexibility. A final decision has not been made on which ship classes will receive a fully operational railgun."Energetic weapons, such as EM railguns, are the future of naval combat," said Rear Adm. Matt Klunder, the chief of naval research. "The U.S. Navy is at the forefront of this game-changing technology." (Source: NNS, 04/07/14) Gulf Coast note: JHSVs are built by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.

Both LCS variants praised

The Austal and Lockheed Martin versions of Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) performed well in a major war game last week and surprised some "enemies" with their capabilities. Rear Admiral Thomas Rowden, director of surface warfare for the Navy, said on Tuesday that the war game held at the Navy War College in Rhode Island underscored the effectiveness of the new smaller warships in potential future conflicts, even in deeper waters. "This is going to be a force to be reckoned with," Rowden said, noting that U.S. Navy officials went home after the weeklong exercises with a new appreciation for the Navy's newest class of warships. (Source: Reuters, 04/01/14) Gulf Coast note: One version of the LCS is built by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. Previous

LCS Coronado set for commissioning

LCS 4 in San Diego. Navy photo

The Navy will commission its newest littoral combat ship, the future USS Coronado (LCS 4) during an April 5 ceremony at Naval Air Station, North Island in Coronado, Calif. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson will deliver the ceremony's principal address. The ship is the fourth littoral combat ship and the second of the Independence variant. Coronado will be outfitted with reconfigurable mission packages and focus on a variety of mission areas including mine countermeasures, surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. The ship was built by Austal, USA, in Mobile, Ala. (Source: NNS, 04/02/14) Previous

Contract: Austal USA, $6.7M

Austal USA, Mobile, Ala., is being awarded a $6,726,406 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2301) for fabrication and assembly of a live fire test module in support of the Navy's Independence variant littoral combat ship survivability testing program which is critical to class qualifications and ships eventual deployment. Work will be performed in Mobile and is expected to be completed by March 2015. Fiscal 2013 research, development, test and evaluation funding in the amount of $6,726,406 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast, Pascagoula, Miss., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD, 04/02/14)

New commander at SUPSHIP

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. – Capt. Joseph M. Tuite relieved Capt. Stephen W. Mitchell as Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) Gulf Coast in a ceremony at the Ocean Springs Civic Center March 28. Tuite previously served at Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast (SSGC) in Pascagoula, Miss., as LHD 8 production officer from June 2003 to February 2006, and then returned to work with SSGC in March 2010 as program manager’s representative for the LPD program. He assumed the position of SSGC executive officer in July 2012. Mitchell is retiring after a 30-year career in the Navy. (Source: Seapower magazine, 03/31/14)

Ingalls wins NSC contract

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding division has received a $497 million fixed-price, incentive-fee contract from the U.S. Coast Guard to build a seventh Legend-class National Security Cutter (WMSL 756). Construction on the ship will begin in January 2015. Ingalls has delivered the first three NSCs and has three more under construction. Hamilton (WMSL 753) is 81 percent complete and will deliver in the third quarter of 2014; James (WMSL 754) is 52 percent complete and will launch in April, and the sixth NSC (WMSL 755) began construction late last year and is scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of 2015. The seventh ship, WMSL 756, is scheduled for delivery in 2018. (Source: Huntington Ingalls, 03/31/14)

Signal gets contract

MOBILE, Ala. -- Signal International's ship repair yard in Mobile has been awarded a $4.5 million contract to repair and drydock a Navy tanker, the 615-foot-long USNS Lawrence H. Gianella. The ship will arrive at Signal Ship Repair facility in May and stay for 45 days. The ship is a Military Sealift Command vessel that normally delivers petroleum for the Defense Department. It is managed by Houston, Texas-based Ocean Ships, Inc. Signal plans to hire as many as 150 employees to repair the ship, starting at the beginning of May. (Source: al.com, 03/28/14)