The USS Carter Hall, a key amphibious assault ship, will undergo a year-long refurbishment by BAE Systems to ensure its continued service.
USS Carter Hall returns home, March 21, 2024. (Image source: DVIDS)
The USS CarterHall (LSD-50), a cornerstone of the US Navy’s amphibious fleet, is set to undergo a year-long restoration project valued at $87.2 million, with the potential to reach $92.2 million. BAE Systems, a leader in ship repair and maintenance, secured the competitively-awarded contract earlier this month, signifying their commitment to keeping the CarterHall a vital asset for years to come.
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A Legacy of Amphibious Warfare
Commissioned in 1995, the USS CarterHall is the second Navy vessel to bear the name.
It honors the late Admiral William J. Carter Jr., who served with distinction in World War II and the Vietnam War.
The 610-foot-long (190 meters) LSD-50 is designed to transport and deploy Marines, vehicles, and equipment for amphibious assault missions.
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It boasts a capacity of 420 sailors and 500 Marines, along with 15 amphibious assault vehicles and 4 M1 Abrams tanks. Armaments include Mk 28 cannons, Phalanx close-in weapon systems, and M2HB machine guns.
USS Carter Hall travering the Indian Ocean, 2007. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Carter Hall recently returned from a successful eight-month deployment spanning the North Atlantic, Eastern Mediterranean, Baltic, Red Sea, and Arabian Gulf regions, highlighting its critical role in global crisis response and combat readiness.
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Restorations to Ensure Continued Service
BAE Systems Norfolk shipyard, employing a skilled workforce of approximately 1,000 personnel alongside subcontractor partners, will commence the restoration project in July 2024. The year-long endeavor focuses on crucial maintenance and preservation efforts.
The ship’s hull, a vital line of defense against the harsh ocean environment, will be meticulously inspected and repaired. Internal fuel and ballast tanks, ensuring stability and propulsion, will undergo comprehensive maintenance.
“Our team looks forward to working with the Navy to perform the substantial sustainment work necessary to ensure the CarterHall remains a highly capable amphibious combatant ship,” said David M. Thomas Jr., a high-ranking officer at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair.
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Additionally, the engineering plant, the heart of the ship’s operational capabilities, will be revitalized, guaranteeing peak performance for years to come.
Maintaining American Naval Might: A Collaborative Effort
This project highlights the collaborative spirit between the US Navy and BAE Systems.
BAE Systems’ expertise in ship repair and maintenance services, honed across their three full-service shipyards throughout the US, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the operational readiness of the Navy fleet.
The USS Carter Hall refurbishment exemplifies this collaborative spirit, a commitment to maintaining American naval power for years to come.
The revitalized Carter Hall will undoubtedly continue to be a cornerstone of U.S. amphibious capabilities, safeguarding vital interests around the globe.
