BAE contracted for USS Portland post-shakedown availability

June 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy awarded a $19 million contract modification to BAE Systems for post-shakedown availability upgrades to the USS Portland.

BAE will offer program management, planning, engineering, design, material procurement and labor on the amphibious transport dock ship, also known as LPD 27, the Defense Department said.

Post-shakedown availability describes the time after test trials when workers can correct deficiencies and make other upgrades on a vessel.

The USS Portland left San Diego last month to undertake a number of training exercises in the Pacific Ocean.

BAE will work on the contract in San Diego, with the Defense Department expecting it to be finished by July 2019.

The Navy will obligate $17.7 million at the time of the award using fiscal 2012, 2017 and 2018 shipbuilding and conversion funds.

In January, the USS Portland was expected, along with other work, to be outfitted with a Surface Navy Laser Weapon system by the end of the year.