GROTON, Conn., July 28 (UPI) -- General Dynamics Electric Boat has received a U.S. Navy contract for post-shakedown availability, or PSA, work on its newest submarine.
The $6.3 million contract covers long-lead time materials for the USS Texas that will be used after the nuclear sub completes its shakedown phase next year.
The Texas is the second of the new Virginia-class boats and was delivered to the Navy last month.
After it goes through the shakedown, the Texas will undergo PSA at the Electric Boat yard in Groton, Conn. General Dynamics techs and engineers will carry out maintenance and any necessary repairs, alterations and testing required prior to completion in December 2007.
The pact announced Friday is a preliminary to the full $85 million PSA contract that will be assigned to Electric Boat at a later date.
The namesake of the Virginia class is currently undergoing an $85 million PSA project at the same shipyard that should be completed by the end of the year.
The Virginia class is the next generation of U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarines that have been a critical counter to enemy subs that could either interfere with international shipping lanes or pose a ballistic missile threat.
The Virginia, Texas and the eight other subs on order can still perform such "blue water" duties; however they are also designed to prowl around shallower littoral waters where they can carry out surveillance and special operations missions as well as fire a cruise missile at a shore target.
