U.S. Navy’s Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) is set to carry out its planned maintenance availability after it completed its deployment by returning to Naval Station Norfolk, May 3.
U.S. Navy’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Virginia has awarded BAE Systems a $52,5 million undefinitized contract for works that will carried out on the ship.
A planned maintenance availability includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations, and modifications that will update and improve the ship’s military and technical capabilities.
Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by February 2017.
During its recently completed deployment USS Kearsarge, flagship of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG), joined the fight against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant on November 19.
AV-8B Harrier aircraft launched from Kearsarge to conduct their first airstrikes over Iraq and Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. They concluded their OIR mission on March 10 with a total of 130 sorties and 60 strikes.
The ship also received a Battle “E” award for demonstrating mission excellence in various categories of battle efficiency. Kearsarge earned four command excellence awards in maritime warfare; engineering/survivability; command, control, communication, and information warfare; and logistics management.