General Dynamics NASSCO Secures $1.4 Billion Contract for Cutting-Edge US Navy Ship Construction

General Dynamics NASSCO, a branch of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), declared today that it has obtained $1.4 billion in U.S. Navy contract enhancements for the fabrication of a sixth Expeditionary Sea Base vessel (ESB 8) and two supplementary John Lewis-class fleet oilers (T-AO 211 and 212). This grant is in addition to the $600 million already allocated for the acquisition of long-lead time resources for the identical vessels. The contract enhancement also presents an option for the Navy to acquire an extra oiler, T-AO 213, elevating the total prospective value to $2.7 billion for the quartet of vessels.

John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler (top) and Lewis B. Puller-class Expeditionary Sea Base (bottom). U.S. Navy images.

“NASSCO is devoted to collaborating with the Navy to deliver these essential vessels to the fleet,” stated Dave Carver, President of General Dynamics NASSCO. “As allies with the Navy, we remain focused on guaranteeing the triumph of both of these initiatives to help bolster and expand the Navy’s operational presence and combat capabilities while ensuring continuous growth for our workforce.”

Manufacturing of the four vessels is projected to commence in the third quarter of 2023 and extend into 2027.

In 2011, the Navy granted NASSCO a contract to design and fabricate the initial two vessels in the newly established Mobile Landing Platform program, USNS Montford Point and USNS John Glenn. The program developed further, incorporating USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5), the future USS John L. Canley (ESB 6), and the forthcoming USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7), configured as ESBs. ESB vessels are exceptionally adaptable platforms crafted to support multiple maritime-based operations, including Air Mine Counter Measures, Special Operations Forces, and limited crisis responsiveness. Functioning as a mobile sea base, this 784-foot vessel has a 52,000 square-foot flight deck to facilitate MH-53, MH-60, MV-22 tilt-rotor, and H1 aircraft activities. The upcoming USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) and USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7) are presently under construction.

In 2016, the Navy bestowed upon NASSCO a contract to design and construct the initial six vessels in the emerging generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis-class. Crafted to supply fuel to U.S. Navy vessels operating at sea, the 742-foot ships possess a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, the capability to transport 157,000 barrels of oil, substantial amounts of dry cargo, and to provide aviation functionality while cruising at speeds of up to 20 knots. The first vessel, USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), was commissioned to the U.S. Navy in July 2022. The USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), and USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) are currently undergoing construction.