Ingalls Shipbuilding has received a $113.6 million contract modification for the construction of the as-yet unnamed LHA 9 amphibious assault ship.
The modification — earmarked for long-lead-time material and advance procurement — brings the total advance funding for LHA 9 to $651 million. It’s the second such modification, following a $107 million modification awarded in April.
“We appreciate the partnership we have with the Navy and their continued commitment to this important ship,” said Ingalls president Kari Wilkinson. “Not only will it provide capability to our Navy fleet, but it also sustains hundreds of jobs across the country within our vast network of suppliers in support of construction.”
LHA’s are considered the centerpiece of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious ready groups and Marine Corps air ground task forces. In addition to the LHA’s “lethal, mobile and agile” maintenance and logistics facilities, they are state-of-the-art medical facilities, including full operating suites and triage capabilities.
Ingalls is the sole builder of large-deck amphibious ships for the Navy. The shipyard delivered its first amphibious assault ship, the Iwo Jima-class USS Tripoli (LPH 10), in 1966. Ingalls has since built five Tarawa-class (LHA 1) ships, eight Wasp-class (LHD 1) ships and the first in the new America class of amphibious assault ships (LHA 6) in 2014.
The second ship in the America class, USS Tripoli (LHA 7), was delivered to the Navy in early 2020. Bougainville (LHA 8) is under construction.
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