US Navy Takes Delivery of New Littoral Combat Ship

The US Navy accepted delivery of the Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), USS Nantucket (LCS 27) on Monday, July 29.

Lockheed Martin built the ship at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard and had its keel laid in October 2019.

Nearly two years later, the ship was christened and slid into the Menominee River. Polly Spencer, the wife of former Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer, sponsored the Nantucket.

Its latest delivery marks another milestone in the Navy’s ongoing efforts to modernize its capabilities and maintain dominance in coastal waters.

14th Freedom-Variant Ship Delivered

The USS Nantucket is the fourteenth and latest addition to the LCS Freedom class, known for its speed, versatility, and ability to operate in shallow and deep waters.

The ship’s advanced technology and modular design allow for rapid mission configuration, enabling it to adapt to a wide range of threats, from mine countermeasures to anti-submarine warfare.

“The future USS Nantucket serves as a shining example of the perseverance of the United States maritime industrial base and shows that the partnership we have with industry is built to last,” said Captain Matthew Lehmann, program manager of the Littoral Combat Ship program office.

“Together, the Navy and industry will continue our work to prepare her for commissioning and Fleet operations, delivering combat capability across the globe.”

Named after the historic island off the coast of Massachusetts, the Nantucket carries on a proud naval tradition. It’s also the fourth Navy ship to bear the name (the first one to have the namesake in more than 150 years), honoring the island’s rich maritime heritage.

The USS Nantucket, the U.S. Navy’s newest littoral combat ship, was christened today during a ceremony in Marinette, Wisconsin, where the vessel was built by Lockheed Martin. #nantucket pic.twitter.com/EEsL7NgOf3

— Jason Graziadei (@JasonGraziadei) August 7, 2021

The USS Marinette (LCS 25), the thirteenth Freedom-class ship, entered service last September, while the USS Pierre (LCS 38), the final Independence-variant, was christened in May.

The Future of the LCS Fleet

The Navy’s commitment to the LCS program extends beyond the USS Nantucket.

Construction is already underway on two more Freedom-variant ships at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard.

The Navy will add the USS Beloit (LCS 29) to the fleet this summer. Meanwhile, the final Freedom-variant LCS, the USS Cleveland (LCS 31), is nearing completion.

The LCS class is a versatile platform designed to support forward presence, maritime security, and sea control. These ships can operate independently or alongside larger naval forces, offering flexibility and adaptability.

The program offers two distinct variants to meet these diverse mission requirements: Freedom and Independence.

Lockheed Martin leads the construction of the monohull Freedom variant (odd-numbered ships) following the LSC initiative introduction in 2002, while Austal USA builds the trimaran-hulled Independence variant (even-numbered ships).

The Freedom-variant LCS is a formidable platform featuring a flexible design that allows for rapid mission configuration and accommodates a range of weapons and sensors.

Equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a high-rate-of-fire Mark 110 gun, the ship class packs a lethal punch.

With a speed exceeding 40 knots (46 mph or 74 km/h), it can quickly respond to threats. And its efficient crew complement improves operational effectiveness.

The Navy halted delivery of pending Freedom-class ships in early 2021 after discovering transmission problems and will only resume once they complete the necessary upgrades.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the LCS Fleet

With its delivery complete, the Nantucket will now undergo final preparations before its official commissioning later this year.

Once in service, the ship will be homeported to Mayport, Florida, and strategically positioned to respond to challenges in the region.

As the Navy continues to invest in its littoral combat ship program, the delivery of the USS Nantucket represents a tangible step forward in building a more capable and adaptable fleet.

Dominae griseae maris (Grey Lady of the Sea)

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