Aviation News – BAE Systems has secured a $204.1 million U.S. Navy contract to maintain and modernize the USS Iwo Jima, enabling the amphibious assault ship to support Joint Strike Fighter operations and strengthening its frontline deployment capability.
The award, issued by the United States Navy, covers a selected restricted availability (SRA) period at BAE’s Norfolk shipyard in Virginia. The 843-foot Wasp-class vessel will undergo system upgrades and general maintenance beginning in August, continuing the yard’s long history of servicing LHD-class amphibious assault ships. Commissioned in June 2001, the ship is the third Navy vessel named after the historic World War II battle of Iwo Jima.
The modernization will focus on improvements that allow the ship to safely host F-35B Lightning II short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. Updates typically include flight deck enhancements, support systems, and infrastructure changes that enable sustained stealth fighter operations at sea. These capabilities expand the ship’s role as a sea-based aviation platform, blending helicopter assault operations with fixed-wing combat aircraft.