General Dynamics completed its acquisition of the Ship Repair and Coatings Division of Earl Industries, a leading East Coast ship-repair company that supports the U.S. Navy fleet in Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to General Dynamics' earnings in 2013.

“The acquisition of the Ship Repair and Coatings Division of Earl Industries enhances our ability to compete in the growing naval ship-repair market. We have added a solid team with a successful track record that will strengthen our ability to deliver cost-effective maintenance and repair services to the U.S. Navy,” said Fred Harris, President, General Dynamics NASSCO (Photo).

The Ship Repair and Coatings Division of Earl Industries is a prime contractor for nuclear aircraft carrier (CVN) multi-ship, multi-option (MSMO) contracts. MSMO contracts provide for maintenance, modernization and repair to all ships of a class in specific homeport areas.

The company also provides maintenance and repair services to frigates and other classes of naval ships. It now becomes part of the shipbuilding and repair operations of San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO, a leading provider of ships to the Navy and a major producer of Jones Act commercial vessels.

General Dynamics NASSCO also is a prime contractor for MSMO contracts for Navy combat and support ships, including frigates (FFGs), dock landing ships (LSDs), amphibious transport ships (LPDs) and amphibious assault (LHA/LHD) ships.