San Diego, CA – The USS Preble (DDG 88) will soon be docking in San Diego to undergo maintenance and modernization. BAE Systems has received the Navy’s $103.5 million contract to perform the work for the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. If all upgrade options are implemented, the contract could grow to $117.7 million which will be great news for the hundreds of local craftsmen performing the work.

Commissioned in June 2002, the USS Preble is the 38th ship in the Arleigh Burke-class. It was named to honor Commodore Edward Preble, a 19th century U.S. Navy hero who commanded naval forces during the most active portion of the Tripolitan War (1801 – 1805). The Preble is the 6th ship to be named after the commodore.

Part of the upgrade will focus on the ship’s Aegis combat system. This state-of-the-art naval weapons system was developed by the Missile and Surface Radar Division of RCA and is now produced by Lockheed Martin. When Aegis was first designed, its intention was to protect aircraft carriers. Today the system has advanced dramatically and is considered “the single best combat management system known to mankind.” The most prominent advancement of Aegis was in radar development which became the core of what makes Aegis so effective and unique.

When the Preble reaches San Diego, it will be drydocked so craftsmen can perform hull preservation work. The team will also refurbish the living spaces for the ship’s 280 crewmembers. BAE expects to begin this work next month (October 2020) and complete the overhaul by February 2022.

“The depot maintenance availability BAE Systems will perform aboard USS Preble is complex and critical,” said David M. Thomas Jr., Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair. “Our team of employees, subcontractors and Navy personnel have a great deal of experience with the DDG class and look forward to ushering the USS Preble into its next phase of fleet readiness.”

The USS Preble isn’t the only ship taking part in this upgrade, the USS Shoup (DDG 86) is currently being completed by BAE Systems in San Diego.

Ben Enman is the Director of Sales for Ameri-Force. Ben has worked in the maritime industry since 2011 and is well-known among the nation’s leading ship builders. Ben gained field experience as a Regional Manager overseeing several branch locations and has traveled the nation as Director of Sales since 2018.