The June 2021 announcement designated Naval Station Everett as the future homeport for the initial frigates. The timing is interpreted here as political signalling because neither the design nor the first ship was complete. It also acknowledges that ships need advance planning for berthing space, even if unfinished dimensions leave only a general estimate. The following contract discussion distinguishes the lead ship from nine optional follow-on ships under an award for detailed design and construction. A homeport announcement and contract options therefore describe different commitments from completed ships.
Notable Point · 2:33:23-2:35:13
The Navy announced a homeport before finishing the ship
Naval Station Everett was designated for the initial frigates before the design was complete or the first ship had been laid down.