Navy orders 8 new Virginia-class subs

[Shellback]

By Christopher P. Cavas - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Dec 23, 2008 7:03:14 EST
As expected, the Navy announced on Monday a $14 billion contract to buy eight new Virginia-class submarines.
The fixed-price incentive, multiyear procurement contract was awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat, lead shipyard for the Virginia-class submarines. Electric Boat’s facilities at Quonset Point, R.I., and Groton, Conn., share equally in building the submarines with Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding’s Newport News shipyard in Virginia.
In making the announcement, Rear Adm. William Hilarides, program executive officer for submarines, told a group of reporters at the Pentagon that more than 12,000 companies of all sizes located in 48 states take part in building the Virginia-class subs.
The first of the eight submarines, the North Dakota (SSN 784) — so far the only vessel in the group to be named — was authorized in the 2009 defense act. The Navy plans to ask for SSN 785 in 2010 and thereafter ask for two submarines each in 2011, 2012 and 2013.



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