SAN DIEGO — The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $149.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance, modernization and repairs on the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). If all options are exercised, the total value could reach $180 million.
The work will be conducted under a Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) at Naval Base San Diego, the ship’s homeport. It is scheduled to begin during the fiscal 2027 availability window and is expected to be completed by October 2028.
The contract covers labor, supervision, equipment, testing, facilities and quality assurance required for the Chief of Naval Operations availability. Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington is the contracting activity. Three companies competed under full and open competition. Funding includes about $144.7 million in fiscal 2026 Navy procurement funds and $5 million in operations and maintenance funds.
“Critical maintenance of the USS Boxer will support the U.S. Navy’s vital mission to continue defending our nation,” said Eric Icke, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems Maritime Solutions San Diego.
USS Boxer and Previous Maintenance
USS Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned on February 11, 1995, and is the sixth U.S. Navy vessel to carry the name. The ship is approximately 844 feet long, has a beam of about 106 feet, and displaces around 40,500 tons fully loaded. It supports amphibious operations, carries Marines and their equipment, and operates aircraft and landing craft. It serves as the flagship of an amphibious ready group.
BAE Systems’ San Diego shipyard previously received an approximately $200 million contract in 2020 for Boxer maintenance and modernization. That work included upgrades supporting F-35B operations, as well as hull, tank and mechanical work.
In April 2024, Boxer returned to San Diego about 10 days into a deployment after a rudder and bearing failure. Divers conducted pier-side repairs over roughly two months. The Navy had also planned a separate longer maintenance period for the ship. Boxer has since returned to regular operations and received recognition for performance and readiness.
BAE Systems Ship Services
The contract is part of BAE Systems’ broader ship services business, which provides repair, maintenance, modernization, conversion and overhaul services for the Navy, other government agencies and commercial maritime customers.
BAE Systems operates full-service shipyards in California, Florida and Virginia, with drydocks, shiplifts, railway systems, land-level work areas and pier space for major ship support operations.
The new contract supports the Navy’s ongoing effort to maintain the readiness of its amphibious fleet.
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