A Fincantieri subsidiary has secured a $536.9 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy to design and build the third ship in the Constellation class of guided-missile frigates.
The Department of Defense said Thursday Fincantieri Marinette Marine will also provide digital environment support for the future USS Chesapeake (FFG 64) in addition to design and construction activities over a six-year period.
Sixty percent of the contract work will be conducted in Wisconsin while the remaining will be performed in several states including New Jersey, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina and Maryland. Marinette Marine is expected to finish its tasks by August 2028.
According to Naval Sea Systems Command’s Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants, the award is the second option exercised under the Constellation Class Frigate Program. The ships are envisioned to be capable of joint maritime operations and naval composite warfare. They will be equipped to operate in littoral environments in addition to blue waters and to work with a carrier of expeditionary strike group or a surface action group.
USS Constellation (FFG 62), the lead ship in the program, is scheduled to start the production readiness review and manufacturing phase.
FMM is contracted to deliver the first 10 FFG 62 class ships. For the recent contract modification, the Navy will obligate the full amount from fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion funds to the company at the time of award.
