Todd Shipyards Corporation has been awarded a $276-million contract to build three more FFG-7 class guided-missile frigates (FFG-51, 52, and 54) for the U.S. Navy. Two will be constructed by the Los Angeles Division in San Pedro and one will be built at the Seattle yard.
The company also announced a $60-million project to upgrade drydocking facilities at both West Coast yards. A $40-million, 13,500-ton Syncrolift system will be installed at San Pedro. Scheduled for operation early in 1982, it will permit that yard to perform up to five drydockings with one lift system.
Todd also will move a floating drydock from its San Francisco Division yard in Alameda to the Seattle yard, where it will be modified at an estimated cost of $20 million.
According to a Todd spokesman, the improvements are being undertaken largely as a result of the latest Navy contract, but the facilities will be available to handle commercial vessels as well.