The USS Gettysburg, a Ticonderoga-class U.S. Navy cruiser, is to receive maintenance and modernization work from BAE Systems.

The base contract received by the company is worth $29.4 million. If options are exercised, the contract value would increase to $31.8 million.

BAE Systems said the maintenance would be conducted at its facility in Norfolk, Va., during a special selected restricted availability of the cruiser, which begins next month.

"We have a very successful history of working on the Navy's fleet of Aegis cruisers," said Dave Thomas, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems' Norfolk shipyard. "This maintenance availability will prepare the Gettysburg for more extensive modernization later."

Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers are 567 feet long. The USS Gettysburg (CG 64), commissioned in 1991, is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which provides air defense for aircraft carrier battle groups.

The maintenance and modernization work under the contract will be completed in December.