HYDE-SMITH ANNOUNCES $97.1 MILLION TO PREPARE FOR 11th NATIONAL SECURITY CUTTER CONSTRUCTION IN PASCAGOULA
Homeland Security Dept. Awards Long Lead-Time Materials Contract to Ingalls in Pascagoula
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced the award of a $97.1 million long lead-time materials contract for construction of an 11th U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter (NSC).
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security contract award to Huntington Ingalls in Pascagoula is part of an overall contract valued at $770.4 million to prepare for construction of NSC 11.
“This long lead-time contract is great news for continuing work to rebuild our Coast Guard and provide it with the modern fleet it needs to combat the flow of drugs and people entering our country illegally, and effectively protect our nation,” Hyde-Smith said.
“This contract to 'keep the line hot' also helps to ensure maximum cost savings for taxpayers by allowing Mississippi’s shipbuilders to have a more efficient acquisition and construction schedule for these ships,” she said.
The long lead-time materials for NSC 11 can include steel plating, engines, propulsion systems, and other components.
This contract is funded through FY2018 appropriations, which also included sufficient funding to construct NSC 10. Built in Pascagoula, NSCs are the most advanced USCG cutters with an ability to effectively address defense, law enforcement, and national security missions.
Hyde-Smith indicated that the Senate Appropriations Committee continues to work with its House counterpart and the administration to complete the FY2019 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill with funding to support Coast Guard operations and acquisitions.
###