Fincantieri, Navy Lay Keel for First Constellation Frigate

Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, shakes hands with Fincantieri Marinette Marine welder Jean Wagner on April 12 in Marinette at the ceremonial keel laying of the first USS Constellation (FFG 62). Submitted.

FBS in Sturgeon Bay will construct hull sections

Fincantieri Marinette Marine celebrated the keel laying of future USS Constellation (FFG 62) April 12 along with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Wisconsin governor Tony Evers and Fincantieri Marine Group CEO Marco Galbiati.

Hundreds of FMM shipbuilders gathered with guests inside the shipyard’s massive new climate-controlled Building 34, where large portions of a ship are connected and the vessel is erected. Since 2009, Fincantieri has invested more than half a billion dollars into creating one of America’s most modern shipyards.

Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay will help build frigates by constructing portions of the hull which will be barged over to Marinette where they will be joined to other large sections of the future vessel, a company spokesman said.

Fincantieri Marinette Marine received a contract for $795 million in April 2020 for the lead ship and nine additional vessels. If the Navy exercises all of the options, the contract is valued at more than $5.5 billion. To date, the Navy has five frigates on order with Fincantieri Marinette Marine, with five additional options remaining on the original contract.