HYDE-SMITH PRAISES $1.5 BILLION NAVY CONTRACT TO KEEP MISS. SHIPBUILDING LINE STRONG

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today praised the award of a $1.5 billion contract to a Mississippi shipbuilder as part of federal actions to promote national security, jobs, and the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Navy has awarded the contract for Huntington Ingalls in Pascagoula to construct a new San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship (LPD 31).  Under this contract, the target completion date for the LPD 31 is February 2027.  Ingalls is currently working on LPDs 29 and 30 at its Pascagoula shipyard. “The serious economic disruption caused by COVID-19 cannot be allowed to threaten our national security or the industries that supply the workforce and products that keep our fighting forces well-equipped,” Hyde-Smith said. “I commend the Navy for its foresight in advancing contract work for LPD 31—work which will help sustain the many manufacturers and suppliers that contribute to building these ships.  I also remain confident that our Mississippi shipbuilders will continue to provide excellent service to the Navy and Marine Corps,” she said. Hyde-Smith, who has consistently worked to secure additional procurement funding through the appropriations process, said the contract is based on FY2019 and FY2020 defense appropriations for the LPD program, $350 million and $524 million respectively.  With enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 27, Congress also provided $475.0 million in emergency supplemental appropriations for the Navy Working Capital Fund. President Trump requested $1.156 billion for the LPD shipbuilding program in his FY2021 budget request. ###