US Navy Expands Amphibious Fleet with $9.5 Billion Order for Four New Warships from HII

In a strategic move to bolster its amphibious capabilities, the US Navy has awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) a $9.5 billion contract for the construction of four new amphibious warships. The deal, split into two separate contracts, underscores the Navy’s commitment to maintaining a robust amphibious fleet to support various operational needs, from combat deployments to humanitarian missions.

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding will undertake the construction of three Flight II San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships—LPD 33, LPD 34, and LPD 35—under the first contract valued at $5.8 billion. These ships, expected to be completed by September 2035, represent an evolution in amphibious warfare technology, enhancing the Navy's ability to deploy Marines and their equipment rapidly and efficiently.

Flight II ships, part of the San Antonio-class, are designed with improved command-and-control capabilities, expanded aviation capacity, and enhanced survivability features compared to their predecessors. These vessels are critical for amphibious operations, serving as a bridge between the large-deck amphibious assault ships and smaller landing crafts.

The second contract, worth $3.67 billion, is for the advanced procurement, design, and construction of a new America-class amphibious assault ship. These ships are the backbone of the Navy's amphibious fleet, capable of launching helicopters, tiltrotor aircraft like the MV-22 Osprey, and F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters. This vessel is expected to be completed by September 2033, with the possibility of extending the work until March 2035 if all contract options are exercised, bringing the total value of this contract to nearly $3.9 billion.

The new America-class ship, like its predecessors, will lack a well deck, which is typically used for launching landing craft. Instead, it will be optimized for air operations, focusing on accommodating more aircraft and supporting vertical takeoff and landing operations. This design choice aligns with the Navy and Marine Corps’ evolving operational strategies, which emphasize rapid, flexible response capabilities.

The multi-ship procurement plan plays a crucial role in the Navy's long-term strategy to replace aging vessels and maintain its minimum 31-ship amphibious fleet. According to Marine Lt. Gen. Eric Austin, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, this procurement approach allows the Navy to retire older ships on a one-for-one basis while ensuring the fleet remains ready to meet current and future challenges.

“The multi-ship procurement enables us to sustain our 31-ship amphibious floor, which includes 10 big-deck amphibious ships and 21 LPDs. This is essential to maintain our operational readiness and capacity for various missions,” Austin explained.

The economic impact of this deal is also significant. By purchasing multiple ships in a single procurement, the Navy has managed to save approximately $901 million. The cost savings primarily come from bulk purchasing of materials and increased efficiency in the shipbuilding process.

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding, located in Pascagoula, Mississippi, has a long history of delivering high-quality amphibious ships to the Navy. The company has already delivered 15 large-deck amphibious ships and 13 San Antonio-class ships, with several more under construction. The most recent addition, the USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), was delivered earlier this year.

Currently, Ingalls is also building the Bougainville (LHA 8), Fallujah (LHA 9), Harrisburg (LPD 30), and Pittsburgh (LPD 31), reflecting the shipyard's significant role in sustaining the Navy's amphibious fleet.

Kari Wilkinson, President of Ingalls Shipbuilding, expressed pride in continuing the company’s support for the Navy and Marine Corps’ mission. “It is an honor to be part of this vital effort to meet the minimum 31 amphibious ship requirement. Our workforce is committed to delivering these ships on time and on budget to support the nation’s defense.”

As the US Navy looks to the future, the expansion and modernization of its amphibious fleet are pivotal to maintaining its global maritime dominance and fulfilling its diverse mission requirements, from power projection to humanitarian assistance. This substantial investment in amphibious warships ensures the Navy remains agile, capable, and ready to respond to any challenge it may face on the world's oceans.