HII Delivers Amphibious Transport Dock Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) to U.S. Navy

Rhea-AI Summary

HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division delivers amphibious transport dock LPD 29 to the U.S. Navy, marking a significant milestone in the San Antonio-class ship series. The delivery showcases the collaborative efforts between industry and government, setting the stage for future Flight II production. Ingalls continues to demonstrate its expertise in naval ship construction with ongoing projects and a strong partnership with the Navy and Marine Corps.

Insights

Defense Industry Analyst

The delivery of the amphibious transport dock Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) to the U.S. Navy by HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division is a significant event for both the company and the defense sector. This marks the completion of the Flight I transition ships and the commencement of the LPD Flight II production line. The shift to Flight II ships represents an evolution in naval capabilities and aligns with the U.S. Navy's strategic objectives to modernize its fleet.

From a business perspective, the ongoing production and future deliveries of the Flight II ships are likely to provide a stable revenue stream for HII. This is important given the long-term nature of defense contracts and the predictability they offer to companies in the defense sector. Moreover, the continuation of this program underlines the strong partnership between industry and government, which is essential for the advancement of national defense initiatives.

It is important to note that amphibious transport docks like the San Antonio class are not just assets for force projection but also serve as platforms for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Their versatility in supporting a wide range of missions enhances the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. As such, the delivery of LPD 29 and the ongoing construction of subsequent ships are likely to have a positive impact on HII's reputation and its position within the defense industry.

Military Procurement Expert

The transition from LPD Flight I to LPD Flight II involves significant procurement and design enhancements, reflecting the evolving requirements of the U.S. Navy. The San Antonio-class ships are designed to support the Marine Corp’s Force Design, which is a strategic framework aimed at adapting the Marine Corps to future challenges. This transition is indicative of the Navy's commitment to maintain a technological edge and address emerging threats.

From a procurement standpoint, the modification to the contract for the design and construction of the Philadelphia (LPD 32) suggests confidence in HII's ability to deliver on complex projects. The awarded contract modification also implies a substantial financial commitment, which is a positive signal for HII's future earnings and stock performance. Investors often look for such long-term contracts as they provide visibility into the company's future revenue and profitability.

Furthermore, the ability of LPDs to operate within various naval formations, such as amphibious readiness groups and expeditionary strike groups, underscores their strategic importance. The versatility of these ships in supporting diverse missions contributes to the overall efficacy and agility of the U.S. naval forces, making the continued investment in this class of ships a priority for the Department of Defense.

Strategic Defense Analyst

The delivery of the Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) and the ongoing production of the LPD Flight II ships are reflective of the broader strategic realignment within the U.S. defense strategy. The U.S. Navy is focused on enhancing its amphibious and expeditionary capabilities, which is pivotal in the context of global security challenges and the need for rapid deployment forces. These ships play a critical role in force projection and the ability to respond to crises, which is central to maintaining global stability and peace.

The strategic implications of these developments extend beyond immediate defense capabilities. They signal a long-term commitment to maintaining a robust industrial base that can support the Navy's ambitious shipbuilding goals. This has broader economic implications, including job creation and the development of technological expertise within the defense sector.

For investors, the delivery of the LPD 29 and the ongoing contracts for LPD Flight II ships are indicative of HII's alignment with national defense priorities, which can be a determinant of the company's long-term success. The defense industry is heavily influenced by geopolitical tensions and defense spending policies and companies that are well-positioned to meet the strategic needs of the military tend to perform well in this sector.

PASCAGOULA, Miss., April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII’s (NYSE:HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division announced today the delivery of amphibious transport dock Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) to the U.S. Navy.

Richard M. McCool Jr. is the 13^th San Antonio-class ship delivered by Ingalls and is the final Flight I transition ship before Ingalls moves into production of the LPD Flight II line.

“The LPD 29 delivery demonstrates how our shipbuilders are enabling our combined Navy and Marine Corps team,” said Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. “It is the most recent example of what U.S. industry and government partnerships can accomplish by putting another player on the field. We will now bring the full weight of this collaborative team to bear on steady-state Flight II execution going forward.”

Ingalls has two Flight II LPDs under construction including Harrisburg (LPD 30) and Pittsburgh (LPD 31). In March 2023, Ingalls was awarded a modification to the contract for the procurement of the detail design and construction of Philadelphia (LPD 32), the 16th ship in the San Antonio class and the third LPD Flight II.

Photos and a video accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-delivers-amphibious-transport-dock-richard-m-mccool-jr-lpd-29-to-u-s-navy/.

The San Antonio class is foundational to the U.S. Marine Corp’s Force Design construct and can support a variety of crisis response, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions. LPDs can operate independently or as part of amphibious readiness groups, expeditionary strike groups, or joint task forces. These capabilities allow the U.S. Navy to protect America's security abroad and promote regional stability and preserve future peace.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:

Kimberly K. Aguillard
228-355-5663
Kimberly.K.Aguillard@hii-co.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9262308b-3261-4d3d-a59b-b0670d33512d

FAQ

What was announced by HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division?

Ingalls Shipbuilding division announced the delivery of amphibious transport dock LPD 29 to the U.S. Navy.

How many San Antonio-class ships has Ingalls delivered?

Ingalls has delivered the 13th San Antonio-class ship, LPD 29.

What is LPD 29's significance in the production line?

LPD 29 is the final Flight I transition ship before Ingalls begins production of the LPD Flight II line.

Which ships are currently under construction by Ingalls?

Ingalls has two Flight II LPDs under construction: Harrisburg (LPD 30) and Pittsburgh (LPD 31).

What contract modification was awarded to Ingalls in March 2023?

Ingalls was awarded a modification to the contract for the procurement of the detail design and construction of Philadelphia (LPD 32), the third LPD Flight II.