USN to name latest LCS
First-in-class USS Freedom. USS Nantucket is the 14th vessel in the Freedom class.
The USN will officially christen its newest Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Nantucket (LCS 27), on 7 August in a ceremony at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine facility in Wisconsin.
Construction of the vessel, the 14th Freedom-class LCS out of 16 planned, began in October 2019.
LCS 29 was laid down on 22 July 2020 and is the 15th Freedom-class vessel. LCS 31 the future USS Cleveland was laid down on 18 June 2021 as final ship of its type.
The Freedom-class vessels displace about 3,900t and are 115m-long with a beam of 17.5m and a draught of 3.9m. Powered by two MT30 gas turbines, four Isotta Fraschini V1708 diesel engines and two Colt-Pielstick 16PA6B diesel engines, the ships are capable of a top speed of 47kt with a range of 4,300nmi.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.