Navy deals Sikorsky contract for Marine One maintenance work through 2022

The Navy has awarded Sikorsky Aircraft a $137.9 million deal to perform maintenance on the presidential helicopter fleet through 2022.

The award announced by the Defense Department on Dec. 14 covers "special progressive aircraft rework sustain support services" on the VH-3D and VH-60N helicopters used for the executive transport of the president.

"Services to be provided include security, project engineering, integrated logistics support, VIP Helicopter training, and program support for the Presidential Helicopters Program," the announcement states. Work under the contract will last through November 2022, it adds.

The Navy and Sikorsky reached a deal earlier this year to keep Marine One maintenance work at the Stratford, CT-based company in order to help rein in costs on the CH-53K heavy lift helicopter program. The service had been advancing plans to move the work to Fleet Readiness Center Southeast at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL.

"Sikorsky has built and maintained Marine One in Connecticut for the last 40 years. The workforce, who has the experience working with Marine One, is best equipped and prepared to ensure that the fleet continues to be safe and reliable," Rep. Rose DeLauro (D-CT) said in a Dec. 15 statement. "Today's news is a win for working families in Stratford and the highly skilled workers at Sikorsky. Connecticut has a rich history of being a leader in the defense manufacturing industry and this contract will ensure the maintenance work remains in Connecticut where it belongs."

Lockheed Martin acquired Sikorsky last year.