On 5/21/04 5:23 PM, in article ,
"Otis Willie" wrote:

Next Generation Aircraft Carrier Contract Awarded

(EXCERPT) NEWS RELEASE from the United States Department of Defense

No. 491-04 IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 21, 2004 Media Contact: (703)697-5131
Public/Industry Contact: (703)428-0711

Next Generation Aircraft Carrier Contract Awarded

The Navy and Northrop Grumman Newport News (NGNN) have successfully
negotiated the construction preparation (CP) contract for CVN 21, the
next generation aircraft carrier. CVN 21 will be the centerpiece of
tomorrow’s carrier strike groups and a contributor to the future
expeditionary strike force as envisioned in “Sea Power 21.”

Advance procurement and advance construction of components and
associated design efforts in support of the anticipated Fiscal 2007
ship procurement for CVN 21 are provided for under the contract.

The CVN 21 CP contract is a three-year, cost type contract for
advanced procurement of material, design and engineering, and advance
construction of CVN 21.

The total value of the contract is $1.4 billion, which includes a fee
earnable to $161.9 million. This contract includes cost, schedule and
performance incentives designed to ensure CVN 21 requirements are met
at an affordable price.

Speaking about the contract, John Young, assistant secretary of the
Navy for research, development and acquisition said, “The contract
agreement reached by the Navy and the Northrop Grumman Newport News
(NGNN) team is an important step in the course charted for development
of the next generation aircraft carrier. This contract provides for
the continued design and development of the next generation aircraft
carrier, as well as incentives for NGNN and the Navy team to work
together to develop and manage the design of the CVN 21. The contract
structure has a portfolio of incentives that focuses on obtaining the
most innovative ship design that will meet the program’s performance
goals, while emphasizing timely delivery and control of all costs *
material, labor, facilities, overhead and construction. This CP
contract is a win-win for both the Navy and NGNN and is a significant
accomplishment for the CVN 21 program. The contract establishes key
metrics for NGNN and the Navy and provides the tools necessary for the
Navy to work with NGNN to manage the design of CVN 21."

For more information, please contact Navy Public Affairs at (703)
697-5342.

http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/...0521-0820.html

---------------------------
Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com

Doesn't look much different on the outside, but sounds like some sweeping
changes. Boy there were some whacky ideas floating around for a while (like
the landing areas that angled both left and right).

I'll be interested to see how many sailors it hauls around.

--Woody