The newly ordered component is a key part of the vessel’s structural integrity, underscoring the programme’s reliance on BAE Systems’ advanced manufacturing capabilities. The work will be carried out at the company’s Louisville, Kentucky site, which specialises in fabrication, welding, machining, testing, and outfitting of complex naval systems.
Charles Lewis, director of Submarine Programs for Platforms & Services at BAE Systems, praised the company’s workforce and engineering strength. “The award is a testament to the hard-working, highly-skilled employees in Louisville, who manufacture complex submarine structures and our engineering expertise in Minneapolis,” he said.
Lewis added that BAE Systems’ facilities and personnel “have the deep specialized capability and experience needed to support submarine and maritime industrial construction.” He also affirmed the company’s continued dedication: “We look forward to carrying on our commitment to meeting the production needs of these national security assets that keep our Sailors safe.”
In addition to the Louisville site, BAE Systems’ Jacksonville, Florida Shipyard also contributes to the Columbia-class programme. The shipyard is a strategic partner to the maritime industrial base, helping to fabricate key submarine components.
