Source: https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-ne ... ing%20NewsWASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has signed a contract for two carriers, according to a high-ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee.
A release from the office Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., congratulated the Navy for closing the deal.
“Today the Navy finally secured a two-carrier block buy for CVN 80 and 81, further advancing U.S. Navy efforts to build to a fleet of 12 aircraft carriers and 355 ships," Wittman said in the release. "Leading this provision through my subcommittee, through the NDAA as a conferee, and finally fighting on the House floor for its an inclusion in the FY19 Defense Appropriations bill has been an honour.
“This dual buy means even larger savings than projected for taxpayers — $4 billion — and the certainty that our industrial base needs to retain and hire the employees who create the highest quality products for our sailors. For Virginia, it means thousands of reliable jobs and community development for the next decade and beyond. As one of the largest Navy shipbuilding contracts ever, I am proud to have led this effort and look forward to its success.”
The carriers were previously reported to cost about $24 billion, and the Navy projected it would save about $4 billion by contracting for two Ford-class carriers. The Navy normally releases contracts after business hours. Huntington Ingalls Newport News builds carriers for the Navy.
The Navy declined to comment ahead of any contract announcements, a standard Navy policy.
The Navy notified Congress in December of its intention to proceed with the two-carrier buy.
This is a subscription only section
Want to read more? It's only €10/year.
No account yet? Just Create an account first and head to the shop