General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) , on March 4, delivered USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) to the U.S. Navy. The ship is named in honor of the first African-American to qualify and serve as a Master Diver. Brashear's life story was portrayed in the 2000 movie Men of Honor.
Construction of the USNS Carl Brashear began in May 2007. NASSCO has incorporated international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features into T-AKE-class ships, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system, to minimize operating costs during their projected 40-year service life. With a cargo capacity of more than 10,000 tons, the primary mission of T-AKE ships is to deliver food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions from shore stations to combat ships at sea.
Including the Carl Brashear, NASSCO has delivered the first seven ships of the T-AKE class and has construction contracts for five additional ships. The Navy has also awarded contracts to NASSCO for the long-lead material for two more ships for a total class of 14 T-AKE vessels.
General Dynamics NASSCO employs more than 4,700 people. In addition to T-AKE construction, the San Diego shipyard is also building three product carriers for U.S. Shipping Partners L.P.
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