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## BAE Systems San Diego Lands $98 Million in Vital Navy Ship Modernization Contracts
BAE Systems’ San Diego facility has clinched two significant U.S. Navy contracts, totaling $98 million, earmarked for crucial modernization and upkeep operations on a pair of vital surface combatants. These substantial agreements will facilitate essential dry-docking and maintenance cycles for the littoral combat ship USS *Kansas City* (LCS 22) and the formidable Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS *Stockdale* (DDG 106). Both extensive projects are scheduled to commence in May 2026.
### A Critical Investment in Naval Readiness
The awarded contracts underscore the Navy’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a robust and capable fleet, with BAE Systems playing a key role in ensuring these frontline vessels remain mission-ready.
Eric Icke, Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems Maritime Solutions San Diego, underscored the company’s readiness for the upcoming work. “Our dedicated team is eager to undertake the planned maintenance for both the *Kansas City* and *Stockdale*,” Icke stated. “By collaborating closely with Navy personnel and our trusted subcontractor partners, our San Diego shipyard will leverage its deep expertise in naval ship repair. This commitment ensures that both vessels will rejoin the fleet fully operational and ready to meet our nation’s critical defense needs.”
### Deep Dive: The USS Kansas City Overhaul
The *Kansas City*’s $37 million segment of the contract focuses on a comprehensive overhaul. The sleek 2,550-ton Independence-class trimaran will enter drydock for critical underwater hull preservation, significant upgrades to various onboard systems, and a complete refurbishment of crew accommodation areas. This extensive effort is designed to guarantee the ship’s sustained operational readiness and longevity within the fleet.
### Enhancing the USS Stockdale’s Capabilities
For the USS *Stockdale*, a $61 million allocation will fund comparable hull preservation. Beyond that, the destroyer will undergo thorough reconditioning of its superstructure, meticulous treatment of interior fuel and ballast tanks, and a complete refresh of its crew quarters. These detailed interventions are vital for extending the service life and maintaining the peak performance of this essential combatant.
### Legacy and Valor: The Ships Behind the Names
The USS *Kansas City* holds the distinction as the 12th vessel in the agile Independence-class littoral combat ship series, and notably, the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of the Missouri city. Meanwhile, the USS *Stockdale*, commissioned in 2009, stands as the 56th iteration of the revered Arleigh Burke-class. Its namesake honors the late Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale, a recipient of the Medal of Honor and a distinguished former prisoner of war, renowned for his courage during captivity.
### Strategic Homeport for Naval Excellence
All these critical operations will unfold at BAE Systems’ strategically located Southern California shipyard. This facility boasts a long-standing history of robustly supporting U.S. Navy surface combatants, many of which operate directly from Naval Base San Diego, reinforcing the region’s crucial role in national defense.