US Navy receives final Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
Austal USA has opened a new facility in San Diego as it looks to expand its service and support business.
The new location will be largely dedicated to providing service work for the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPF), and will serve as a base of operations on the West Coast for Austal USA.
Austal is in full rate production for the LCS programme, and is prime contractor for the EPF programme.
Craig Perciavalle, president, Austal USA, said: ‘Today’s opening is a direct reflection of the company’s commitment to provide the US Navy, not only exceptional ships, but outstanding service and support for the life of the ship.
‘With nine EPF ships and eight Independence-variant LCS delivered to the navy, and many more to follow, this expansion increases our ability to support our ships beyond delivery and as they deploy.’
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.