Austal USA has been awarded a repair, maintenance and modernization contract for all U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ships based in Mayport, Florida.
The Mobile-based firm won a similar contract for ships based in San Diego just over a week earlier.
“As a result, Austal USA is now positioned to support the entire Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) fleet worldwide,” the firm says in announcing the contract award.
“Austal USA is committed to the success of the LCS program and the growth of our services business. This award enables us to support both variants anywhere in the world,” Austal USA interim president Rusty Murdaugh said. “The SEC West and SEC East awards are a direct reflection of the growth of our services capabilities and the confidence the U.S. Navy has in Austal to provide critical services to the fleet regardless of location.”
Beyond winning the two contracts, Austal has expanded its Mobile service center by purchasing 15 acres of Mobile River waterfront property, including 100,000 square feet of covered repair facilities and a Panamax-class floating dry dock.
Since joining the U.S. defense market in 2004, Austal USA has grown to become the nation’s fifth-largest shipbuilder, working with both aluminum and steel craft. Austal continues to be Mobile’s largest industrial employer.
