The Navy June 30 awarded contracts totaling almost $6.3 billion to General Dynamics [GD] National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) and Huntington Ingalls Industries [HII] to design and build oiler and amphibious assault ships.

Under one contract, worth $3.16 billion, General Dynamics NASSCO will design and build the first six T-AO-205-class oilers, which will transfer fuel to ships at sea. Under the other, valued at $3.13 billion, Huntington Ingalls will design and build the LHA-8, the third America-class amphibious assault ship, which will resemble a small aircraft carrier. Additionally, both contracts include contract design work for the LX(R), the Navy’s newest class of amphibious ships.Aerial view of the Pentagon, Arlington, VA