Australian naval shipbuilder ASC is being officially split up into three separate companies — shipbuilding, submarine sustainment and infrastructure.

The move announced by the federal government is to streamline the company's corporate structure.

"The Board and management of Australian submarine and shipbuilder ASC today welcomed the Federal Government's announcement to separate the company into three businesses," ASC said.

"The formal separation of ASC into shipbuilding, submarine sustainment and infrastructure companies builds upon the company's already successful operating model and positions the company to support Australia's future shipbuilding and submarine capability."

ASC Chairman Bruce Carter said in a company statement that ASC has operated separate submarine and shipbuilding businesses for the past two years.

"This operating model has enabled each business to focus its attention and allocate resources to deliver on their programs and pursue opportunities for future work," Carter said. "It has been a major contributing factor in the company's turnaround in the Collins-class submarine and Hobart-class air warfare destroyer programs."

The first of three Hobart-class air warfare guided missile destroyers is currently undergoing sea trials and is set for delivery to the Royal Australian Navy in June.

VSE supports FMS maritime equipment sales
Alexandria, Va. (UPI) Oct 12, 2016 –

Logistics and services firm VSE Corporation is to provide maritime program support for a number of U.S. Foreign Military Sales program customers.

The services include logistics, planning, repair and maintenance management, supply support, technical assistance, training and engineering support.

The periods of performance for these delivery orders received in September under a Naval Sea Systems Command International Fleet Support Program Office contract range from 9 and 20 months each.

The company said the orders carry a value of $53.4 million.

"We are pleased to provide the best in-country technical and training support services available to ensure our allied navies achieve their maritime mission requirements," said VSE's Federal Group President JR (cq) Brown. "Our team is well positioned to execute these delivery orders and exceed our customers' expectations."

Additional details of the work orders were not disclosed.