US NAVY General Dynamics’ NASSCO shipyard has received shipbuilding orders worth US$2 billion for the construction of a sixth Expeditionary Sea Base ship (ESB- 8) and two additional John Lewis class fleet oilers, to be named USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211) and USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (TA-O 212). There is also an option for an additional oiler, T-AO 213, bringing the potential value for the four ships to US$2.7 billion.
ROYAL NAVY HMS Argyll has become the first Type 23 frigate to undergo a post-LIFEX upkeep docking at the Frigate Support Centre in Devonport. The RN’s longest-serving frigate, which completed her major life extension overhaul in 2017, will receive new capabilities and communication systems upgrades, accommodation improvements for mixed crewing, and a full hull repaint. The extra maintenance will take her to the end of her operational life in 2027-28.