GA-Tupelo to build 2 BSS for subs

Defense contractor General Atomics, which has a major facility in Tupelo, Miss.’s Lee Industrial Park South, will build two large Bearing Support Structures (BSS) for the Navy's new multi-billion-dollar Columbia Class submarines. GA’s Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) was awarded the contract from Naval Surface Warfare Center at Carderock, Md., for an undisclosed amount. “This contract leverages our extensive manufacturing competencies to ensure these critical structures are delivered to NSWCC as the first new Columbia class submarine begins construction in October 2020,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “We have a proven track record in the manufacture of First-Time Quality components and safety-critical systems for undersea and surface vessels. This award further positions GA-EMS as a ‘go-to’ resource for shipyards to get complex components into production to meet hard and fast schedule deadlines.” The BSS will be built in Tupelo. The Navy intends to build 12 Columbia Class submarines over the next 20 years. (Source: Daily Journal 09/1/19) https://www.djournal.com/news/business/general-atomics-to-build-components-for-next-generation-us-navy/article_27d638b9-39c2-5355-a156-51a73284f87b.html