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John Glenn News

05 Aug 2022

NASSCO Awarded $1.4 Billion to Build US Navy Ships

(Image: General Dynamics NASSCO)

Shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO, a subsidiary of aerospace and defense company General Dynamics (GD), announced on Friday that it received $1.4 billion in U.S. Navy contract modifications for construction of a sixth Expeditionary Sea Base ship (ESB 8) and two additional John Lewis-class fleet oilers (T-AO 211 and 212). This award comes in addition to $600 million already received to procure long-lead time materials for the same ships. The contract modification also provides an option for the Navy to procure an additional oiler…

29 Jun 2022

NASSCO Wins LLT Contracts for Three US Navy Ships

(Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO)

San Diego shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO said it has been awarded $600 million in U.S. Navy contract modifications for long-lead-time material to support construction of the seventh and eighth ships in the John Lewis-class fleet oiler (T-AO) program, as well as the sixth ship in the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program.The contract modifications for long-lead-time material provide $500 million for T-AO 211 (Thurgood Marshall) and T-AO 212 (Ruth Bader Ginsburg), and $100 million…

26 Aug 2019

GD NASSCO Wins $1.6 Billion Navy Contract

Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO

General Dynamics NASSCO, a subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), was awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy worth up to $1.6 billion for the construction of the sixth and seventh ships of the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program, as well as an option for ESB 8.The contract, announced by the Department of Defense today, provides $1.08 billion as a fixed-price-incentive modification to a previous contract for the design and construction of the two ships, with an option for the third that…

25 Aug 2019

GD Bags $1.6Bln Shipbuilding Contract

General Dynamics NASSCO, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy worth up to $1.6 billion for the construction of the sixth and seventh ships of the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program, as well as an option for ESB 8.According to the Department of Defense, the contract provides $1.08 billion as a fixed-price-incentive modification to a previous contract for the design and construction of the two ships, with an option for the third that, if exercised, would bring the total cumulative value to $1.63 billion.“We are pleased to be building ESB 6 and 7 for our Navy,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics NASSCO.

20 Mar 2018

US Navy: 355-Ship Fleet is the Mandate, Funding It is Fuzzy

(U.S. Navy photo by Morgan K. Nall)

As Congress wrestles with the budget, there is at least a bipartisan consensus that defense spending should grow, and that includes growing the Navy’s fleet. The current goal is 355 ships, an admirable goal, but an objective that faces many cost hurdles. The surface fleet (which excludes submarines and aircraft carriers) needs to grow in capability and capacity. The numbers of ships being procured or envisions would increase as the total n umber of ships increases, but the number in this story represents current program status.

14 Jun 2017

US Navy: Bigger is Better, but at What Cost?

U.S. Navy forces and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force routinely train together to improve interoperability and readiness to provide stability and security for the Indo-Asia Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Z.A. Landers)

The U.S. Navy has a balanced fleet, but it wants to grow bigger and better. Will the budget allow both? Maritime Reporter's March 2017 cover story on the U.S. Navy was all about the numbers. There exists several plans to grow the fleet beyond the current number of 308 ships, the Mitre recommendation of 414 ships, the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment 340-ship proposal, and the Navy’s decision to grow the fleet to 355 ships, and the Trump administration’s 350. With so many numbers being bandied about, there are even more suggestions on how to get there.

30 Jan 2017

NASSCO starts construction of ESB 5

On Wednesday, January 25, General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), began construction on a fifth ship for the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Transfer Dock (ESD)/Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program. Designed to provide advanced flexibility and capability for sea-to-shore missions, the newest ESB will include a 52,000 square-foot flight deck, fuel and equipment storage, repair spaces, magazines, mission planning spaces and accommodations for up to 250 personnel. Serving as a ‘pier at sea,’ the 784-foot-long ship is also designed to support MH-53 and MH-60 helicopters and MV-22 tilt rotor aircraft. The ship, ESB 5, is the fifth to be added to a contract between NASSCO and the U.S.

03 Aug 2016

Keel Laid for USNS Hershel 'Woody' Williams

Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO

U.S. shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO hosted a keel laying ceremony on Tuesday, August 2 for the U.S. Navy’s second Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) the future USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams currently under construction at the builder’s San Diego shipyard. The ship’s namesake, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, spoke at the ceremony, and his two daughters, Travie Ross and Tracie Ross, welded their initials onto the keel of the ship. Williams, a retired U. S. Marine, received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.

15 Oct 2015

NASSCO Begins Construction on ESB Ship

Today General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics began construction on the second ship of the U.S. Navy's newly reclassified Expeditionary Base Mobile (ESB) program. The 784-foot ship will be configured with a 52,000 square-foot flight deck, fuel and equipment storage, repair spaces, magazines, mission planning spaces and accommodations for up to 250 personnel. The ship will be capable of supporting multiple missions including Air Mine Counter Measures (AMCM), counter-piracy operations, maritime security operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions and U.S. Marine Corps crisis response. It will also support MH-53 and MH-60 helicopters, and will be upgraded to support MV-22 tilt rotor aircraft.

07 Apr 2015

4 Chaplains Foundation Recognizes Helix CEO

On Thursday, March 19, 2015, Arthur H. Thomas, Sr., president and CEO of Helix Alliance, Inc., received the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award. The award was presented by retired Capt. Louis Cavaliere, U.S. Navy, chairman of the Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation, and George DuBois, chapel trustee, and mentor to the shipping community. The presentation was made at a joint meeting of the Propeller Club of Jacksonville and the Navy League. Cavaliere cited Thomas’ participation in numerous charitable organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and American Diabetes Foundation, through his position as chief operating officer at Solutions Through Advanced Research, Inc. (STAR), a Jacksonville company active in pharmaceutical research and clinical trials.

29 Sep 2014

Ocean Ships, APT, Awarded DoD Contract Modifications

1. Ocean Ships, Inc., Houston, Texas, is being awarded a $10,461,769 modification for the previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00033-13-C-3333) to exercise the second option period of this contract for the operation and maintenance of two Mobile Landing Platform ships, USNS Montford Point and USNS John Glenn. These ships support the Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning fleet by transferring rolling stock and other cargos in-stream with other ships via ramp connections, as well as landing and deploying air-cushion non-displacement craft by means of inclined decks. Work will be performed worldwide, and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2015.

06 Aug 2014

USNS John Glenn Completes Final Contract Trials

USNS John Glenn (MLP 2), successfully completed Final Contract Trials (FCT) off the coast of Manchester, Washington July 31. During the trials, the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey along with the ship's crew tested the vessel's various hull, mechanical, and electrical systems to demonstrate that the ship meets Navy standards and requirements, and is materially ready to perform all of its slated in-service missions. John Glenn, the second of the Navy's Mobile Landing Platforms (MLP), was constructed by General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). Since delivering to the Navy from NASSCO in March, her crew has moved onboard and begun training on the ship's systems in preparation for these trials.

12 Mar 2014

NASSCO Delivers USNS John Glenn

Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO

General Dynamics NASSCO today delivered the USNS John Glenn (MLP 2), the second ship of the Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) class, to the U.S. Navy. The ship is named after the Honorable John Glenn for his exceptional and decorated service as a U.S. Marine Corps pilot, astronaut and U.S. Senator. Construction of the USNS John Glenn began in April 2012. Throughout the MLP program, NASSCO has incorporated more than 10,000 improvement ideas into its operations which contributed to controlling costs and delivering the MLP 2 on schedule with no open discrepancies.

20 Feb 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: February 20

 USS Dixie (AD-14). U.S. Navy photo

Today in U.S. 1962 – Lt. Col. John Glenn, USMC becomes first American to orbit Earth. His flight in Friendship 7 (Mercury 6) consisted of 3 orbits in 88 minutes at a velocity of 17,544 mph with the highest altitude of 162.2 statute miles. Recovery was by USS Noa (DD-841). 1962 - USS Dixie (AD-14) rescues lone crewman aboard a sailing yawl adrift for four days. 1974 - S-3A Viking ASW aircraft (carrier jet) introduced officially, given to VS-41. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

03 Feb 2014

'USNS John Glenn' Christened at NASSCO Yard

Lyn Glenn christening the ship: Photo courtesy of NASSCO

General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics inform that the new ship, (named in honor of the famed Marine Corps pilot, Congressional Space Medal of Honor recipient and four-term U.S. senator) is the second of 3 Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) vessels designed and built by NASSCO. The christening ceremony took place at NASSCO's San Diego shipyard. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert was the ceremony's principal speaker, and Lyn Glenn…

30 Jan 2014

Navy to Christen Second Mobile Landing Platform

U.S. Navy photo

The U.S. Navy said it will christen Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) John Glenn Feb. 1, during a 1 a.m. PST ceremony in San Diego, Calif. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Lyn Glenn, daughter of John Glenn, will serve as the ship's sponsor. Upon delivery to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC), John Glenn will be designated as a United States Naval Ship (USNS), and will have a core crew of 34 civilian mariners who will operate and navigate the ship.

12 Nov 2013

Capital Campaign Launched for International Oceanic Station

Photo: SeaOrbiter

SeaOrbiter, the first space station of the sea, is launching a crowd funding campaign on KissKissBankBank to finance the construction of the “Eye” of the vessel, to start in spring 2014. The Eye of the SeaOrbiter will be 18 meters (59 ft) high above the surface of the sea, with the overall vessel measuring 58 meters (190 ft). It will support the crow’s nest and the suite of communications systems that will allow the team to broadcast their adventures live. Life aboard, explorations, discoveries, and great scientific advancements will all be documented through the Eye’s technological prowess.

05 Nov 2013

Navy Astronaut, Aquanaut, Scott Carpenter Laid to Rest

Scott Carpenter: Photo courtesy of his website

The funeral of the United States' fourth astronaut to fly in space, and the second to orbit the Earth, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Malcolm Scott Carpenter (retired), was held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Boulder, Colo., with full military honors. Carpenter, 88, died Oct. 10 at the Denver Hospice following complications from a stroke. He was, a dynamic pioneer of modern exploration, and earned the unique distinction of being the first human to penetrate both inner and outer space, thereby acquiring the dual titles of astronaut and aquanaut from NASA. He was commissioned in the U.S.

02 Oct 2013

Today in U.S. Naval History: October 1

USS Independence (CV-62). Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

Today in U.S. 1800 - U.S. Schooner Experiment captures French Schooner Diana. 1844 - Naval Observatory headed by Lt. Matthew Fontaine Maury occupies first permanent quarters. 1874 - Supply Corps purser, Lt. J. Q. Barton, given leave to enter service of new Japanese Navy to organize a Pay Department and instruct Japanese about accounts. He served until October 1, 1877 when he again became a purser in the U.S. Navy. In 1878, the Emperor of Japan conferred on him the Fourth Class of Rising Sun for his service.

12 Jul 2013

Navy’s First Mobile Landing Platform Departs San Diego

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 12, 2012) Mobile landing platform ship USNS Montford Point (MLP 1) is floated out of General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of General Dynamics NASSCO/Released)

USNS Montford Point (MLP 1) departs San Diego  for Naval Station Everett, Wash. Montford Point is the Navy’s first mobile landing platform, delivered to the Navy in San Diego May 14 and expected to be fully operational in fiscal year 2015. The ship, crewed by 33 contract mariners working for a company under charter to Military Sealift Command, will perform system tests during the voyage to its temporary layberth. Montford Point is scheduled for final contract trials in September, with its core capability set installed later this year.

13 Dec 2012

Ocean Ships Inc. Wins Navy MLP Operating Contract

USNS Montford Point: Photo credit NASSCO

Seafarers International Union (SIU) affiliated Ocean Ships to operate 3 new mobile landing platform vessels (MLP) for US Navy. The vessels are being built at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego; they are the USNS Montford Point, USNS John Glenn, and USNS Lewis B. Puller. Including options, the Ocean Ships contract is for five years. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the new ships “will be the centerpiece of the Navy’s ‘Sea Base’ concept, and will serve as a transfer point for Marine Corps amphibious landing forces between large ships and small landing craft.

06 Dec 2012

NASSCO Lays Keel for Future 'USNS John Glenn'

USNS John Glenn: Image credit USN

General Dynamics NASSCO hold keel laying ceremony in its San Diego faciltiy for the future 'USNS John Glenn' (MLP 2). Delivery of this second MLP ship is scheduled for first quarter 2014, and is to be named John Glenn, in honor of John Herschel Glenn, Jr., the former U.S. Marine Corps pilot, astronaut and U.S. senator who was the first American to orbit the Earth and the third American in space. Ms. Lyn Glenn, daughter of John Herschel Glenn, Jr., and Mrs. Helen L. Toolan, wife of Lieutenant General John A.

13 Nov 2012

USNS Montford Point Floated from NASSCO Building Dock

The first Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) ship, USNS Montford Point. (Photo: NASSCO)

General Dynamics NASSCO completed the complex float out operation for the first Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) ship, USNS Montford Point. Construction of the USNS Montford Point is progressing ahead of schedule, with the ship currently at 91% complete. The ship will now undergo final outfitting and testing pier side before completing sea trials. USNS Montford Point is scheduled to be christened in March 2013 and delivered to the U.S. Navy in May 2013. Fabrication of the second MLP, the USNS John Glenn, began in April 2012.