JULY 28, 2013—BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, VA, was recently awarded a $110,781,296 undefinitized contract action as a modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-4407) for the FY 2013 dry-docking planned maintenance availability (DPMA) of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1).

Built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS, and commissioned in July 1989, the USS Wasp is homeported in Norfolk. At 843 ft long, with a beam of 105 ft, the USS Wasp accommodates Landing Craft Air Cushion, Harrier II jets, and a full range of Navy and U.S. Marine Corps helicopters, and amphibious vehicles.

The USS Wasp, stationed off of New York last year in support of relief operations for Superstorm Sandy in a U.S. Navy photo

Ten Navy ships have proudly bourn the name “Wasp,” dating back to the American Revolution. Among these are two World War II-era aircraft carriers, the CV-7 and CV-18, which both saw heavy combat action in World War II, earning two and eight battle stars, respectively.

A DPMA includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations, and modifications that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities.

The work under the contract will be performed in Norfolk, and will be completed by May 2014.