USS Little Rock delivered to US Navy
Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) have delivered the fifth Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) to the US Navy, the company announced on 25 September.
The future USS Little Rock is scheduled to be commissioned in Buffalo, US, later this year.
The ship completed acceptance trials last month. During sea trials, the industry team also successfully demonstrated performance improvements which will be integrated into all future Freedom-variant LCS.
Jan Allman, president and CEO, FMM, said: ‘Today's important milestone for LCS 9 was made possible by the investment and improvements made to our serial production line, which allowed us to realise our vision for a full flex shipyard.
‘FMM shipbuilders are proud to deliver this proven warship, and we look forward to working with the US Navy to continue building these highly capable ships for the fleet.’
The Lockheed Martin and FMM team is currently in full-rate production of the Freedom-variant of the LCS, and has delivered five ships to the US Navy to date. There are seven ships in various stages of construction at FMM, with one more in long-lead production.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Royal Canadian Navy advances with the construction of its first River-Class destroyer
Scheduled for delivery by 2033, HMCS Fraser will be a major surface component of the Canadian maritime combat power.
-
Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar
Ireland has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 370km (200nm) offshore and contains 75% of the transatlantic subsea cables which carry $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. The country is investing to increase protection and surveillance of these waters.
-
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.
-
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
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.