The US Navy awarded a $2.2 billion contract to US TOTE Services for the construction of a new class of medium landing ships.

The US Navy has awarded a $2.2 billion shipbuilding management contract to TOTE Services for the construction of a new type of medium landing ship. The LSM is one of the core pillars of Trump's "Golden Fleet" strategic initiative, characterized by smaller size and greater flexibility, primarily designed for towing troops, equipment, and supplies for island-hopping landings. This marks the first time in US Navy history that an external third-party VCM model is being introduced to coordinate warship construction, with plans to eventually build a massive fleet consisting of 35 LSMs. The first ship is expected to be delivered in the fall of 2029.