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
-
Lockheed Martin strengthens Spanish SPY-7 radar supply chain
The global defence giant chose a Spanish firm for its work on the Bonifaz-class frigate.
-
US Navy places $312 million contract with Textron Systems for landing craft
Textron’s latest order for Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) follows on from a contract placed in August 2023 for five LCAC.
-
Japan to boost surface fleet with new destroyers and missile ships
Japan is enhancing its naval capabilities with the construction of the 13DDX advanced destroyer and Aegis System Equipped Vessels (AESV), aiming to strengthen its air and missile defence amid increasing security threats, particularly in East Asia.