The Navy has awarded Austal USA of Mobile, AL, a contract to build high-speed troop and equipment delivery ships, one day after news of the award was leaked by an Alabama senator. A statement appearing on Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL)'s Web site yesterday "applauded" the Navy's decision to award Austal a "$1.6 billion" contract for "10 vessels." However, a spokeswoman for Austal said earlier today that the sea service had not yet to notified the company of the contract decision...
