Booz Allen Wins $99M Navy Contract to Modernize Wireless Networks Across MSC Fleet

Chris Christou / Booz Allen Hamilton

Booz Allen Hamilton has secured a $99 million contract from the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command to design, deploy and sustain advanced wireless connectivity for MSC’s government-operated ships.

What Will Booz Allen Deliver Under the Contract?

The work will extend secure, resilient communications to civil service mariners aboard vessels operating across the Pacific, Europe and the United States, Booz Allen said Thursday. Leveraging its capabilities in model-based systems engineering, cloud and network design, NextG, edge technologies and cybersecurity, the company will integrate low Earth orbit satellite links, upgraded Wi-Fi and wireless systems, and 5G cellular technologies to improve both operational communications and crew connectivity.

Booz Allen’s work to bring 5G and NextG capabilities to the Navy’s fleet reflects a wider push across the Defense Department to modernize connectivity at the tactical edge. That same theme will take center stage at the 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29, where senior leaders will examine how 5G-to-FutureG technologies are reshaping communications, accelerating decision-making and enabling new classes of mission systems. Don’t miss the panel discussion, titled “Bridging Domains: 5G to FutureG in Defense,” designed for executives tracking the next generation of wireless innovation. Register now to secure your seat.

The project expands on Booz Allen’s 5G rapid prototyping work with Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, where the firm tested shipboard and pierside wireless designs to enable modern edge applications and cloud-enabled services. Under the new contract, the prototypes will transition into a production phase tailored for MSC’s global fleet.

“Bridging the connectivity gap at sea and in port is critical, not only to enable the Navy’s warfighting readiness, but also to improve quality of life and crew retention among the thousands of civil service mariners who help keep the fleet mission-ready,” said Chris Christou, senior vice president of edge/NextG in Booz Allen’s technology office. “Booz Allen’s combination of advanced wireless engineering expertise, mission understanding, and a rigorous systems engineering approach enables us to install the capabilities our customers need while also helping them to scale implementation. We’re excited to translate our prototyping experience into a successful production phase.”

Why Does MSC Need Enhanced Connectivity?

MSC operates roughly 140 civilian-crewed ships responsible for logistics, refueling, specialized missions and global transport for U.S. forces and allies.

Scott Sautter, vice president in Booz Allen’sAllen’s defense business, said the company will modernize ships “at the pace of commercial innovation.”