Mobile, AL – Work on new Navy warships could bring nearly 2,000 jobs to Alabama at the Austal USA site in Mobile.
Congressional officials say the Navy has decided to order 10 ships each from a company in Wisconsin and Austal USA in Mobile. Congress still must approve the plan, however.
The contracts are for a fast-moving, shallow-water craft called a Littoral Combat Ship. In Mobile, the work would almost double the 1,800-person workforce at Austal.
Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby said Wednesday night that the ships will provide new capabilities to the Navy, but he's concerned about the Pentagon's acquisition plans and costs.
Besides Austal, a contract would go to Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette, Wis., and its partner, Lockheed Martin Corp. of Bethesda, Md.
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