BAE Systems Wins $149.8 Million USS Boxer Modernization Contract

The United States Navy awarded a $149.8 million firm-fixed-price contract to BAE Systems for the maintenance and modernization of the USS Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. The total value of the agreement could reach $180 million if all available options are exercised.

The work, designated as a Selected Restricted Availability, will take place at Naval Base San Diego and is scheduled for completion by October 2028. Modernization efforts focus on upgrading the ship's Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services and Ship’s Signal Exploitation Equipment systems. The contract also covers repairs to propulsion, auxiliary control, and damage-control systems.

Commissioned in 1995, the 31-year-old vessel is designed to transport Marines and equipment, supporting aircraft including F-35B Lightning II fighters and MV-22 Ospreys. The ship is currently deployed in the Middle East as part of Operation Epic Fury, following several years of mechanical problems that hindered previous deployments.