General Dynamics to modernize US Navy USS Comstock LSD 45 Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship.

According to a contract released by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) on December 3, 2020, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. – San Diego, San Diego, California, is awarded a $100,040,336 firm-fixed-price contract for the execution of the USS Comstock (LSD 45) Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship fiscal 2021 docking selected restricted availability. This availability will include a combination of maintenance, modernization and repair of the USS Comstock (LSD 45).
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Patrol Boat (PB) Mk VI 1206 assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 3 prepares to board amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) in preparation for PB Mk VI integration. (Picture source U.S. Navy)

The USS Comstock (LSD-45) is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship in service with the United States Navy. She was laid down on 27 October 1986, by the Avondale Shipyards, New Orleans, Louisiana; launched on 15 January 1988; and commissioned on 3 February 1990, under the command of Commander R. H. Howe, USN. At first USS Comstock had an all-male crew, but soon became the first United States Navy combatant ship to have a fully integrated crew of male and female sailors.

The Whidbey Island Class ships were built to transport and launch air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC). The ships also provide docking and repair facilities for LCACs and for a range of conventional military, utility and personnel landing craft and also provide landing facilities for helicopters. She has a crew of 30 officers and 300 sailors and can embark up to up to 504 marines. The ship has a landing platform for two Sikorsky Sea Stallion helicopters.

The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship is a dock landing ship of the United States Navy. Introduced to fleet service in 1985, this class of ship features a large well deck for the transport of United States Marine Corps (USMC) vehicles and a large flight deck for the landing of helicopters or V-22 Ospreys. A dock landing ship (also called landing ship, dock or LSD) is an amphibious warfare ship with a well dock to transport and launch landing craft and amphibious vehicles.

The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship is powered by four 4 Colt Industries 16-cylinder diesel engines which provide 33,000 shp. (25,000 kW) to two shafts. The ship can reach a top speed of 20 kn. (37 km/h; 23 mph).

The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship is armed with two 25 mm Mk 38 automatic cannons, two 20 mm Phalanx CIWS Close-In Weapon Systems mounts two Rolling Airframe Missile, and six .50 caliber M2HB machine guns.