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USS Bunker Hill, a CG-47 Ticonderoga Class AEGIS cruiser, was launched in 1985. The Ticonderoga Class remains critical to American seapower, functioning as the fleet’s most powerful anti-air defense, and contributing substantial anti-ship and anti-submarine combat power to its assigned naval groups.
The Cruiser Modernization program aims to improve the CG-47 Ticonderoga Class by modernizing the computing and display infrastructure, and the Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) systems. Weapons and sensor sets will also be improved, in order to upgrade their anti-submarine capabilities, add short range electro-optical systems that can monitor the ship’s surroundings without telltale radar emissions, and allow new air defense options like the quad-packed RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile. The modernized cruisers are expected to become more cost efficient to operate, as their lives are extended to serve in the fleet through the year 2030. The USS Bunker Hill is just one representative example of the work underway.
With the DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class destroyer program hitting prohibitive $3+ billion cost levels that have effectively terminated the program, and plans for the CG (X) class in flux, modernizing the Ticonderoga ships via planned upgrades and future possibilities like active aray radars will be critical to the USA’s naval and ballistic missile defense security.
Contracts and Key Events
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Note that new equipment like RIM-162 ESSM missiles, modified Mk41 vertical launch systems, new electro-optic sensors, improved sonar arrays, etc. all fall into the category of Government Furnished Equipment, and will not generally appear here. The equipment is bought under those specific contracts as part of a larger order set, then delivered to the contractor(s) responsible.
Dec 12/08: Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors (LM MS2) in Moorestown, NJ received a $15.3 million modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-98-C-5197) for AEGIS Cruiser Modernization efforts for the USS Bunker Hill [CG 52]. Services include delivering upgraded AEGIS baseline computer programs for Aegis Combat System Upgrades, which may be further clarified by written technical instructions. The Contractor shall provide system engineering support to evaluate all problems for their effect on the AEGIS Weapon System, propose solutions to each problem, and identify changes required to all specifications.
Work will be performed in Moorestown, NJ, and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2009. The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington Navy Yard, DC manages the contract.
On Oct 31/07: BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair in San Diego, CA was awarded a $31 million contract to undertake maintenance, repair and modernization of the guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill [CG-52] during its scheduled Depot Modernization. Work is scheduled to take place in San Diego from Feb 13/08 through February 2009. The project, which includes dry-docking and pier-side work, will involve an average of 300 workers a day and include: all-electric modification to replace steam-operated equipment; stainless steel sanitary space upgrades; corrosion control enhancements; tank, underwater hull and freeboard preservation; and extensive weapons, sensor and communication system upgrades.
Contract funds in the amount of $21.9 million will expire at the end of FY 2008, and this contract was competitively procured and advertised via the Internet, with 2 proposals received by the US Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington Navy Yard, D.C. NAVSEA’s ‘s Southwest Regional Maintenance Center will administer the contract (N00024-08-C-4401). BAE Systems Ship Repair has carved out a strong competitive position in the USA for non-nuclear ship repair, modernization and conversion, with major operations in Norfolk, VA; San Diego and San Francisco, CA; and Hawaii. See also BAE’s Jan 15/08 release.
March 1/06: Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems & Sensors in Moorestown, NJ received a $20.8 million firm-fixed-price, unfinalized delivery order for Cruiser Modernization CR2 Production Equipment for USS Ticonderoga Class Cruisers and Virginia land-based test sites. This delivery order includes procurement of the first Cruiser Modernization ship-set that will be installed on USS Bunker Hill [CG 52] and equipment to support land-based testing and training at Wallops Island and Dahlgren, VA.
Work will be performed in Moorestown, NJ (89%) and Navantia, Spain (11%), and is expected to be complete by September 2008. The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC manages this contract (N00024-06-G-5107).