Navy’s plan for multi-ship buy good news for Ingalls Shipbuilding

The news that the Secretary of the Navy plans a multi-ship buy of four warships is good news here on the Coast.

The amphibious warships are built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, which means the shipyard will have contracts coming for 2025, 2027 and 2029.

Secretary Carlos Del Toro recently told Congress that the Navy will pursue the multi-ship buy America-class and San Antonio-class warships through the 2029 fiscal year, saving taxpayers nearly $1 billion.

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the news is good for America.

“Today is a great day for American shipbuilding and our Navy’s ability to deter China in the years ahead,” Wicker said. “As I have long noted – including in my recent “Peace Through Strength” report – the multi-ship buy of warships is a cost-effective way to provide stability for the industrial base on key shipbuilding programs.

“I look forward to seeing these contracts through to their execution, and I believe that additional benefits could be obtained if we increase funding for material procurement in bulk.”

An Ingalls spokesperson, Kimberly Aguillard, said Coast shipbuilders are ready.

“We defer to the Navy regarding multi-ship procurement discussions,” she said.

“However, we reiterate our commitment to supporting the mission and the joint Navy and Marine Corps team by meeting the minimum requirement of 31 amphibious ships. Our shipbuilders stand ready to serve the nation.”