The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded Alion Science and Technology a five-year contract to support its DDG 51 destroyer fleet.

The support will be in the areas of ship production planning and engineering; systems engineering; combat systems test engineering; post-delivery planning; engineering services; configuration and data management; and logistic support.

"With more than 60 active DDG 51-class ships and 14 more currently under contract, the DDG 51-Class is an important part of the Navy's fleet strategy," said John Carty, Alion senior vice president and group manager. "Alion has been a large contributor to the DDG 51 design and flight upgrade efforts since the program's inception, and we are excited to continue supporting the team."

The DDG 51, or Arleigh Burke-class vessel, is a multi-role guided missile destroyer equipped with the Aegis combat system and the SPY-1D multi-function passive electronically scanned array radar.

The $145 million award is to help ensure that current and planned production of the ships meet mission requirements in a cost-effective way.

Alion said worl under the contract will be conducted at its facilities in Washington, D.C.; Bath, Maine; and Pascagoula, Miss.