$1.07 Million Navy Award Supports USS Rushmore Flight Deck Repairs in Japan

JAPAN — The Navy has awarded $1.07 million for USS Rushmore flight deck repairs in Sasebo, Japan. The work covers the flight deck support structure and replacement of its nonskid deck covering.

“Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. will carry out the work under contract N6264926F0504. This award brings structural repairs and deck-covering replacement into the ship’s 7C1 maintenance package.”

Professional Overseas Contractors (POC)

USS Rushmore Flight Deck Repairs Cover Structure and Surface

The USS Rushmore flight deck repairs form part of the ship’s 7C1 selected restricted availability, or SRA. Specifically, the Navy identifies the requirement as growth work within that maintenance period.

Alongside structural work, nonskid replacement addresses the deck surface used during shipboard aviation activity. These coverings provide traction for people and equipment. Consequently, their condition matters for safe movement around a working flight deck.

Meanwhile, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka’s Sasebo Office manages the award. The Navy records an exact value of $1,073,123.06, equivalent to ¥161,442,240 in the notice.

A Forward-Deployed Ship Based in Japan

Beyond the contract, Rushmore’s recent operating history shows the demands on the forward-deployed ship. It returned to Sasebo in July 2026 after a four-month deployment across the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas.

During that deployment, Rushmore served as part of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group. The group combines Navy and Marine Corps capabilities for expeditionary operations, including crisis response.

In addition, Rushmore’s amphibious role includes embarking Marines and launching and recovering landing craft. The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship joined the Navy’s forward-deployed forces in Sasebo in 2021.