BAE Systems to modernize USS Preble under a $103.5 million contract

BAE Systems press release

Under the depot maintenance period (DMP) availability contract awarded, BAE Systems will dry-dock the ship, perform underwater hull preservation work, upgrade the ship’s Aegis combat system and its command and control equipment, and refurbish the living spaces for the ship’s 280 crewmembers. The work is expected to begin in October 2020 and be completed in February 2022.

“The depot maintenance availability BAE Systems will perform aboard USS Preble is complex and critical,” said David M. Thomas Jr., vice president and general manager of BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair. “Our team of employees, subcontractors and Navy personnel have agreat deal of experience with the DDG class and look forward to ushering the USS Preble into its next phase of fleet readiness.”

BAE Systems’ San Diego shipyard is completing similar work aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86).

USS Preble is the 38th ship in the Arleigh Burke class and was commissioned in June 2002. The ship is named in honor of Commodore Edward Preble, an early 19^th century U.S. Navy hero. Five previous U.S. naval combatants were named after the commodore.

BAE Systems is a leading provider of ship repair, maintenance, modernization, conversion, and overhaul services for the Navy, other government agencies, and select commercial customers. The company operates four full-service shipyards in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Virginia, and offers a highly skilled, experienced workforce, eight dry-docks/railways, and significant pier space and ship support services. The company’s San Diego shipyard has approximately 1,230 employees and works with the Navy and several subcontractor companies to accomplish its ship sustainment work.

Naval News comments:

Naval News understands that a Lockheed Martin HELIOS laser weapon system will be installed aboard USS Preble during this DMP availability. The Pearl Harbor-based destroyer will be the first of its type to be equipped with a high-energy laser to counter surface craft and unmanned aerial systems