What is that a picture of.I can't be a torpedoed ship that close to civilians
It is a picture of 80 million dollars in cost overruns being launched after initial construction. It may be the last one of that class unless costs can be brought under control.
What is that a picture of.I can't be a torpedoed ship that close to civilians
Side launching, more common these days than the old slide out backwards way.
On the article itself, I am disappointed that General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin have screwed this program up so completely. Made some friends down in Pascagoula (sp?) back in the 90's when it was Litton Ingalls, doing presentations with the Litton CEO, should have never been sold to Lockheed Martin.
What they are referring to is the cancellation of a contract. That is a picture of a ship being launched. War vessels quite often go over budget with the first of class. This is caused by contractors underbidding when they know they can hit the government for certain cost overruns. Though most first of class ships are built at a loss, it is the 3rd 4th and 5th vessels that make up the difference. What most folks don't realize is that ifthe profit exceeds a certain percentage then the contractor gives the government back money. Betcha didn't know that.
This is definitely the way to get the attention of the Beltway Bandits. Instead of squeezing their nuts until their eyes pop out, you squeeze the corporate pocketbook until their nuts pop out.
Wonder how much of that money has already gone towards "marketing" -- which is a fancy way of saying "spent on other stuff".
Thank God, this hasn't ended up like a $450 hammer or toliet seat. Our buddies deserve the best, and these folks need to buold the best and bid truthfully, not weasel around!
Why not just commission the Norweigens (Swedes?)to build them? They've taken a pretty big lead in littoral combat ships, they've got them built, they know how to build them. And they're fast and nasty beasties too by the look of them. That way you don't get all the cost overruns. Just ask for a few modifications that you might want and let them get at it. Or does the Jones Act apply to military vessels for the US as well as commercial ones. (ie. ships must be designed and built in the US if they are to be operated in the US).
Originally posted by Steyrman: Why not just commission the Norweigens (Swedes?)to build them? They've taken a pretty big lead in littoral combat ships, they've got them built, they know how to build them. And they're fast and nasty beasties too by the look of them. That way you don't get all the cost overruns. Just ask for a few modifications that you might want and let them get at it. Or does the Jones Act apply to military vessels for the US as well as commercial ones. (ie. ships must be designed and built in the US if they are to be operated in the US).
That would make sense in terms of project economics, for sure, but it wouldn't gather votes from all the employees.
This may not be a bad thing! Just how much better can the LCS do a job that the Arleigh Burke class do as well? And is it worth all that extra money for it? More of the same could very well do our navy better than a few good ships can.
To all who can thank your leader in DC, for closing all of the Navy base that was building the ship on time and the right cost, I know cause I serviced on one, one of the last ship builded by the Phila,Pa Naval base The USS MANITOWOC LST 1180, and the Naval hospital too, so that there frootball team would have a field to train on,why done it take 48 acres to train a team on. and how do I know that cause I work there for 21 years. BT3 Edward Lee Mc Intosh USN/USNR.
I wonder if the ship shown in the picture is the one launched from Marinette Marine in Wisconsin.
The cost over runs and subsequesnt work stoppage made the local news around here. However, Marinette Marine seemed to be the only one within the budget and was not affected by the work stoppage. Several shipyards all received contracts at the same time, but only a couple actually delivered.
It is a shame that contractors have to play their games, lowballing to get the contract, then watch out. Maybe it is about time that the government paid more attention to that kind of crap.
Photo shows one of two prototypes--different designs by different firms--being launched. It looks like all subsequent ships are being placed on hold through two cancellations--program is for 50+ ships.
Also, Naval Shipyards did great work but cost per hour of the average worker was far in excess of civilian yards, as were overhead costs.
Why is it we can not get what we pay for without over paying for it. How is it other countries do not seem to have this problem as much as we do. Nothing our military buys ever comes in on time and in budget. Is our procurement procedures THAT corrupt? Sad, we now are behind the curve again for equipment and congress depends forever while the soldiers defending them get screwed. AGAIN! Now sad
At least the Navy put their foot down and said it costs too much. The Air Force let the F-22 program costs go up and up. It is sad when a Navy ship gets cut because of cost and a single Air Force fighter is the same price.
Will the LCS ever get built?
