LCS 8 completes acceptance trial
The future USS Montgomery (LCS 8) Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) has successfully completed acceptance trials following several underway and in-port demonstrations for the US Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), the navy announced on 13 May.
During the four-day trial the ship successfully performed surface and air self-defence detect-to-engage exercises; a four-hour full power run; and launch and recovery operations of its 11-metre rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB). The ship's manoeuvrability was also demonstrated, with the vessel accomplishing speeds of over 40 knots and performing tight turns.
The successful trial clears the way for delivery of the ship to the navy in the coming weeks.
Capt Tom Anderson, LCS program manager, said: ‘Ship after ship, we continue to see improved performance at lower cost. Montgomery's strong performance during acceptance trials is a testament to the navy/industry team that has laboured to incorporate lessons learned and deliver this exceptional and affordable ship.’
Following delivery and commissioning Montgomery will be home-ported in San Diego with sister ships USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), USS Independence (LCS 2) and USS Freedom (LCS 1).
More from Naval Warfare
-
Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
-
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
-
UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.
-
US Pentagon claims to have severely damaged Iranian capabilities, promises to increase attacks
US military authorities claim to have sunk 20 Iranian vessels and destroyed Tehran’s Air Force, with the Pentagon making plans to send additional assets to the region.