USN to christen latest LCS Santa Barbara
Independence variant LCS USS Tulsa (left), USS Manchester (centre) and USS Independence (right) sail in formation in the eastern Pacific. (Photo: USN)
The future USS Santa Barbara is the service’s 16 Independence-variant LCS and the 32nd vessel of the two-design class.
On 16 October, the USN will christen its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Santa Barbara.
The christening ceremony will be held in Mobile, Alabama.
The LCS is designed to operate in near-shore environments supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence.
The USN’s LCS fleet comprises two ship designs: the Lockheed Martin Freedom and Austal USA Independence variants.
The first Independence-variant LCS, USS Independence, was commissioned in 2010. The ship was decommissioned earlier this year, having been in service for a little over a decade.
Austal USA is currently building two further LCS, the future USS Augusta and Kingsville, and another the future USS Pierre, is on order.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
