USN primes latest LCS for commissioning
The 19th Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the USN, the future USS St Louis (LCS 19), will be commissioned in Mayport, Florida on 9 August having completed acceptance trials.
St Louis is the tenth Freedom-class LCS designed, built and delivered by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine. It was delivered to the USN in February.
St Louis will undertake MCM and other surface missions as well as ASW.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, standard LCS armament includes the Mk 110 57mm gun and Mk 49 Rolling Airframe Missile launcher, with the addition of two 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II guns and AGM-114L Hellfire missiles in the surface warfare module.
The crew will total about 75 when including a mission package. There is also room for an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter or two MQ-8C FireScout UAVs.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Swedish Visby frigates to get air defence system under $166 million contract
Saab announced in 2021 that it had signed an agreement with Swedish defence procurement for the development of plans for a Visby upgrade. One aspect of the upgrade is for the introduction of a surface-to-air missile capability.
-
Boeing to upgrade Royal Australian Navy communications system
The improvements to the navy fleet are part of a vision to create a single integrated network to enhance transmissions across the Australian Defence Force (ADF) incorporating its naval, air and land forces.
-
Japanese navy bets on autonomous technology for the future
Faced with persistent recruitment shortfalls, the JMSDF has turned to unmanned surface and underwater systems to maintain operational capability.
-
First Type 31 frigate for UK Royal Navy rolls out of construction
Named the HMS Venturer, this roll out marks a pivotal milestone as it moves from the construction phase to then undergo outfitting and systems integration ahead of sea trials.
-
Japan orders first upgraded Mogami-class frigates for the JMSDF
The JMSDF has commissioned the seventh Mogami-class ship as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries advances upgraded frigates and supply vessels.