Article Posted on : - Jul 05, 2010

US Navy nuclear submarine USS New Mexico (SSN-779). A file photo.

GROTON (BNS): US Navy has given a $51.8 million modification contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat, for planning and performing the post-shakedown availability (PSA) on the nuclear submarine USS New Mexico (SSN-779).

The Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.

Under the contract, General Dynamics has to perform the maintenance, repairs, alterations and testing of the PSA at its Groton facility. Work for the contract is expected to begin in July 2010.

USS New Mexico is the sixth ship of the Virginia Class of submarines. Electric Boat and its construction teammate, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, have received contracts to produce a total of 18 Virginia-class submarines for US Navy.

The maintenance work for the USS New Mexico is scheduled to be completed by July 2011.