BAE Systems contract to modernize US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble.

According to a press release published by BAE Systems on August 18, 2020, BAE Systems has received a $103.5 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the maintenance and modernization of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88).
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Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) returned to their homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following the ship’s surge deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations, June 25, 2020. (Picture source U.S. Navy)

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 crew members. The work is expected to begin in October 2020 and be completed in February 2022.

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 19th century U.S. Navy hero. Five previous U.S. naval combatants were named after the commodore. 

The initial ARLEIGH BURKE-class guided missile destroyers have a full load displacement of 8,300 tons, are 506 feet in overall length and have a 62 foot beam. They are driven by two shafts powered by four LM2500 engines. Their maximum speed is in excess of 30 knots and they have a cruising range of 4,400 n. miles at 20 knots. The ships complement is about 30 officers and 302 enlisted personnel.

All ships of this class have the AEGIS air defense system with the SPY-1D phased array radar. They are armed with a 90-cell Vertical Launching System capable of storing and rapidly firing a mix of Standard, Tomahawk, and Vertically Launched ASROC (VLA) missiles for either Air Defense, Strike Warfare, or Anti-Submarine Warfare missions. Other armament includes the Harpoon anti-ship cruise missile, the 5"/54 gun with improvements that integrate it with the AEGIS weapon system, and the Phalanx Close-in Weapon System for self-defense.

The value of the competitively awarded contract could reach $117.7 million if all options are exercised.

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.