TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard Win Missile Defense Contract

The new vessels will replace the Pacific Tracker and Pacific Collector, which have been in service since 1965 and 1970, respectively. Under the contract, TOTE Services will act as the vessel construction manager, while Hanwha Philly Shipyard handles production. The firms plan to utilize the same commercial management model currently employed for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel program, a strategy officials claim reduces acquisition costs by at least 50%.

During the christening of the fourth National Security Multi-Mission Vessel, "Lone Star State," Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought confirmed the construction of the lead vessel, designated "Golden Defender." The initiative is part of a wider effort to rebuild domestic shipbuilding capacity, which has transformed the Philadelphia yard from a near-dormant facility into a hub employing over 2,000 workers. The first of the new instrumentation vessels is scheduled for delivery in 2030, marking a strategic pivot toward integrating commercial efficiency into complex defense requirements.