Photo: Defence Connect

Huntington Ingalls Industries has been engaged in a $567.6 million subcontract modification for Columbia Class ballistic missile submarines construction from General Dynamics Electric Boat.

HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division will provide long lead-time material and advance construction activities, according to a public statement made on 11 April.

HII is currently constructing submarine modules for District of Columbia and Wisconsin, the first two submarines in the class as part of Build I.

The advance procurement funds from this subcontract modification, awarded on 4 April, will allow NNS to purchase major components, commodity material and begin advance construction on Build II, the next five submarines in the class.

“This contract modification underscores the critical manufacturing work our shipbuilders do for the US Navy, as major contributors to the Columbia Class,” NNS vice-president for the Columbia Class construction, Brandi Smith, said.

“When delivered to the fleet, these submarines and their crews will protect peace and freedom around the world, in service of the nation.

“Our shipbuilders understand the responsibility, commitment, and discipline required of them each day, and take great pride in supporting this mission.”

The Columbia Class is expected to replace the current fleet of Ohio Class ballistic missile submarines and take up the mantle of sea-based strategic deterrent.

NNS is a major shipbuilding partner in the Columbia Class program, constructing and delivering six module sections per submarine under contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat.

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