BAE Systems (LSE: BA.) has secured a $149.8 million firm-fixed-price contract from the U.S. Navy for the maintenance and modernization of the USS Boxer (LHD 4).
The total contract value could reach $180 million if all available options are exercised by the Navy.
The contract falls under a Selected Restricted Availability designation, covering critical modernization, maintenance, and repair work to be performed at Naval Base San Diego.
According to the Department of War, the contracted scope encompasses all necessary labor, supervision, equipment, production, testing, and quality assurance to prepare the ship for future operations.
Key modernization efforts include upgrades to the ship’s Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) and Ship’s Signal Exploitation Equipment (SSEE) systems.
Planning documents also identify work involving the Propulsion and Auxiliary Control System, ballast and damage-control systems, CANES common technical unit, and a one-way announcing system.
The Navy originally estimated the availability at more than 255,000 maintenance man-days and nearly 69,000 modernization man-days, reflecting the scope of work involved.
Eric Icke, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Maritime Solutions San Diego, expressed confidence in the program, stating: “Critical maintenance of the USS Boxer will support the U.S. Navy’s vital mission to continue defending our nation.”
Icke added: “I look forward to our highly skilled team delivering unmatched capacity, precision, and performance for our customer.”
All work will be performed in San Diego, California, where USS Boxer is homeported, with completion scheduled for October 2028.
Commissioned in 1995, the USS Boxer is the sixth ship in the Wasp-class of large deck, multi-purpose amphibious assault ships designed to transport Marines and their equipment.
Aircraft that have operated from the ship include F-35B Lightning II fighters, MV-22 Ospreys, and several types of helicopters, underscoring its versatility.
This latest contract follows unscheduled repairs carried out in San Diego in 2024, which addressed issues with the ship’s starboard rudder and roller bearings.
In 2020, BAE Systems announced a roughly $200 million contract for earlier maintenance and modernization work on USS Boxer, including upgrades to support F-35B operations.
BAE Systems operates full-service shipyards in California, Florida, and Virginia, providing drydocks, shiplifts, land-level work areas, pier space, and related ship support services.
