BAE Systems to perform maintenance services for U.S. Navy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- BAE Systems has received a $16.5 million contract to perform maintenance and overhaul services for the U.S. Navy's USNS Washington Chambers.

Under the contract, BAE Systems will overhaul the vessel's main engines, perform maintenance work on its bow thruster and propeller systems, and work on the ship's heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. The company will also conduct underwater hull cleaning and painting.

"The Washington Chambers is the latest of Military Sealift Command's dry cargo ammunition ships to come to our yard for overhaul and upkeep services," BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair general manager Hugh Vanderspek said. "Our highly skilled workforce has completed dry dock projects on nine of these complex diesel-electric drive ships."

USNS Washington Chambers is a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ammunition ship, used by the U.S. Navy to provide logistic lift services to the fleet. This can include ammunition, food, fuel, repair pars and ship store items. They are designed to commercial specifications and standards. All dry cargo ammunition ships are operated by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command.

BAE Systems is expected to begin its work on the vessel in January, and complete the work in April.