Northrop Grumman Corp. has been awarded a $257 million U.S. Navy contract for maintenance on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington.

The 10-month contract will include repair and refurbishment of the hull, shafting, propellers and rudders; blasting and coating of numerous tanks, and modernization of spaces to support the F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft equipment and weapons systems. Enhancements will also be made to crew living areas; maintenance on propulsion plant systems, and repair and inspections on numerous ship systems.

The George Washington, a nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, was built by Northrop Grumman Newport News. Delivered to the Navy in 1992, it was is the sixth such vessel built at Newport News.