BAE Systems contracted to modernize U.S. Navy destroyer

BAE Systems has received a $107.7 million contract from the U.S. Navy to modernize the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71). (Photo: BAE Systems)

BAE Systems, which provides ship repair, maintenance, modernization, conversion and overhaul services to select government and commercial customers, announced it has received a $107.7 million contract from the U.S. Navy to modernize the USS Ross (DDG 71), an Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer commissioned by the Navy in June 1997.

Under the extended dry-docking selected restricted availability (EDSRA) contract, BAE Systems will dry-dock the USS Ross to perform maintenance on the underwater hull, repair its main propulsion system, preserve internal ballast and fuel tanks and external superstructure and rehabilitate crew berthing and dining compartments. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $123.8 million.

The 505.25 ft. long vessel – which was named after the first Medal of Honor recipient of World War II, Donald K. Ross – has a beam of 67 ft., draft of 30.5 ft. and displacement of approximately 8300 tons (full load). Its propulsion system consists of four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines capable of propelling the ship to speeds greater than 31 knots. Two controllable, reversible pitch, five-blade propellers assist in rapid acceleration and maneuverability.

Modernization work on the USS Ross will be performed at BAE Systems’ Norfolk, Va., shipyard and is scheduled to take more than 500 days. Upon its scheduled completion in April 2024, the 16-year-old ship will be capable of serving in the U.S. Navy’s fleet for another 10 years.

“This is an important job for our employees, subcontractors and the Navy to accomplish,” said Mike Bruneau, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair. “We look forward to meeting the long-term maintenance goals for USS Ross to sustain the future capability and readiness of the ship.”