GROTON, Conn., July 6 (UPI) -- General Dynamics Electric Boat has won a $51.8 million modification contract from the U.S. Navy for maintenance work on the USS New Mexico (SSN-799).
The USS New Mexico is a Virginia-class attack submarine designed to replace the short-lived Seawolf and Los Angeles-class subs, which are scheduled to be retired from service.
The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, said the post-shakedown availability contract provides for maintenance, repairs, alterations and testing.
The work will be performed in Groton, Conn., involve 450 workers and will commence this month. Work is expected to be completed by July of next year.
The USS New Mexico is the sixth Virginia-class submarine. General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, have contracts from the Navy to build 18 of the subs.
A total of 30 Virginia-class submarines are planned, the company said.
The submarines are 377 feet long, have a beam of 34 feet and a displacement of 8,700 tons.
