The U.S. Navy exercised a $93.8 million contract modification option to Northrop Grumman Corporation for detail design and the procurement of long-lead-time material on the LHA 6 amphibious assault ship program. This is the first option exercised on the initial contract, awarded in July 2005. With this option, the total contract value has increased to $203.7 million. If all options are exercised, the contract has the potential to reach $264 million. This new award supports additional material acquisition, but predominately provides funding and authorization for LHA 6's detail design. The LHA 6 will replace the LHA 1 class of
amphibious assault ships, and will be a variant of the gas-turbine powered LHD 8 and will launch tilt-rotor helicopters and fixed-wing, short take-off vertical landing aircraft in support of amphibious operations. (Source: www.dcmilitary.com)