The USN commissioned its latest Independence-class LCS vessel, USS Oakland, on 17 April 2021. (Photo: USN/Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Pearl)
Austal USA has obtained a $44.38 million contract modification from Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to exercise an option for Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) design services and integrated data and product model environment support.
Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama (60%); and Pittsfield, Massachusetts (40%), and is expected to be completed by June 2022.
NAVSEA issued the original $584.2 million LCS construction contract for Austal USA in June 2017.
General Dynamics builds the Independence-class LCS variant at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that a total of 13 Independence-class ships have been delivered to the USN out of 19 originally planned.
However, cost increases and delays — and the failure of these vessels to meet expectations — means that the programme has been curtailed in favour of the FFG(X) future frigate programme.
Indeed, USS Independence will be retired from frontline duty on 31 July 2021 and USS Coronado will follow suit under plans announced by the USN in June 2020.
Forming part of the Reconciliation Bill, the funding will support multiple efforts involving autonomous capabilities, interceptors, missiles, rockets and torpedoes.
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.
Connect with us on socials
