Construction is officially underway on two ancillary surface craft – medium (ASC-M) vessels for the United States Marine Corps at C&C Marine and Repair in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.
“Our naval architects and marine engineers designed this craft from the ground up, integrating cutting-edge sonar and fuel systems to enhance operational success,” said Birdon CEO Jamie Bruce.
"Designed by Birdon’s US engineering team in New Orleans...these vessels reflect a scalable, American-built solution with future expansion in mind," added Birdon in a statement.
"The ASC-M will support safe landings with advanced forward-looking sonar; transfer fuel vessel-to-vessel or vessel-to-shore; carry 40 embarked troops and up to 54 tons of cargo; and deliver exceptional manoeuvrability and long-range capability."
The ASC-M was designed to be production-friendly and automation-ready, and to scale rapidly to meet future operational needs.
Construction is scheduled to begin over summer 2025, with delivery scheduled within 12 months.