USS Marinette at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor at the start of Maryland’s Fleet Week, June 12, 2024. (Image source: DVIDS)
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor bustled with activity during Maryland Fleet Week, June 12-18, 2024. Among the destroyers, frigates, and Coast Guard cutters, a sleek, modern warship drew particular attention: the USS Marinette (LCS 25).
This Freedom-class littoral combat ship (LCS) wasn’t just another vessel on display; it was the Navy’s newest technological marvel, fresh off its commissioning in September 2023.
The week served as a golden opportunity for the public to get a firsthand look at this agile warship and its vital role in modern naval defense.
“We were excited to welcome USS Marinette into Baltimore to celebrate Maryland Fleet Week,” said Capt. Matthew Lehmann, program manager of the Littoral Combat Ship program office. “It’s wonderful that residents got the opportunity to see and explore one of our finest LCS warships. Freedom variant LCSs provide a unique capability and value to the Navy, and it is important that Americans can see and appreciate these critical ships that are deployed across the globe.”
From Birthplace to Battlefield: The USS Marinette’s Story
The christening of the USS Marinette in November 2021 wasn’t just a ceremonial event; it marked a milestone in US naval history.
Built in its namesake city of Marinette, Wisconsin, by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the ship became the first Navy vessel to be christened in the very place it was constructed. This unique connection between the ship and its Wisconsin roots signifies the immense contributions of American industry to national security.
Authorized in 2016, the USS Marinette underwent rigorous testing and refinement before officially joining the fleet in February 2023. These initial trials are crucial for ensuring the ship’s peak performance and the safety of its crew. The lessons learned from these tests have undoubtedly shaped the capabilities of the USS Marinette and its future sister ships.
USS Marinette (LCS 25) pierside prior to its commissioning in 2023. (Image source: DVIDS)
Technical Muscle: Unveiling the Powerhouse Beneath the Deck
At 388 feet (118 meters) long, the USS Marinette is a formidable presence on the water.
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor bustled with activity during Maryland Fleet Week, June 12-18, 2024. Among the destroyers, frigates, and Coast Guard cutters, a sleek, modern warship drew particular attention: the USS Marinette (LCS 25).
This Freedom-class littoral combat ship (LCS) wasn’t just another vessel on display; it was the Navy’s newest technological marvel, fresh off its commissioning in September 2023.
The week served as a golden opportunity for the public to get a firsthand look at this agile warship and its vital role in modern naval defense.
“We were excited to welcome USS Marinette into Baltimore to celebrate Maryland Fleet Week,” said Capt. Matthew Lehmann, program manager of the Littoral Combat Ship program office. “It’s wonderful that residents got the opportunity to see and explore one of our finest LCS warships. Freedom variant LCSs provide a unique capability and value to the Navy, and it is important that Americans can see and appreciate these critical ships that are deployed across the globe.”
From Birthplace to Battlefield: The USS Marinette’s Story
The christening of the USS Marinette in November 2021 wasn’t just a ceremonial event; it marked a milestone in US naval history.
Built in its namesake city of Marinette, Wisconsin, by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the ship became the first Navy vessel to be christened in the very place it was constructed. This unique connection between the ship and its Wisconsin roots signifies the immense contributions of American industry to national security.
Authorized in 2016, the USS Marinette underwent rigorous testing and refinement before officially joining the fleet in February 2023. These initial trials are crucial for ensuring the ship’s peak performance and the safety of its crew. The lessons learned from these tests have undoubtedly shaped the capabilities of the USS Marinette and its future sister ships.
USS Marinette (LCS 25) pierside prior to its commissioning in 2023. (Image source: DVIDS)
Technical Muscle: Unveiling the Powerhouse Beneath the Deck
At 388 feet (118 meters) long, the USS Marinette is a formidable presence on the water.
Its steel monohull and aluminum superstructure house a powerful propulsion system consisting of four diesel generators capable of pushing the ship to speeds exceeding 47 knots (87 km/h or 54 mph). This agility allows the LCS to maneuver swiftly in near-shore environments, a critical capability for missions in coastal regions.
But speed is just one facet of the USS Marinette’s prowess. The core crew of about 40 sailors can be augmented by mission-specific teams, transforming the ship into a versatile platform.
A large flight deck facilitates helicopter operations, while a reconfigurable mission module bay allows for the rapid deployment of specialized equipment. This adaptability makes the USS Marinette a true force multiplier, capable of tackling a wide range of maritime threats, from deterring enemy aggression to safeguarding vital sea lanes.
The technology and firepower aboard the USS Marinette are impressive, but the true heart of the ship lies in its crew. These dedicated sailors, both men and women, represent the best of American service and dedication. Their rigorous training and unwavering commitment are what enable the ship to function at its peak and navigate the challenges of modern maritime operations.
A Legacy of Littoral Combat: The Freedom Class and USS Marinette
The USS Marinette belongs to the Freedom-class family of littoral combat ships, a series of fast, agile vessels designed for operation in near-shore environments. These ships are the backbone of the Navy’s strategy for dominating coastal regions, a crucial aspect of modern naval warfare.
With a focus on speed, maneuverability, and adaptability, Freedom-class LCS excel at missions ranging from countering small boat swarms to conducting anti-submarine warfare.
The USS Marinette holds a special distinction within the Freedom class. It represents the thirteenth ship to be built in this lineage, carrying on the legacy of its predecessors.
Each Freedom-class vessel benefits from the advancements and refinements incorporated based on the experiences of earlier ships. This continuous improvement ensures that the USS Marinette is equipped with the latest technology and combat capabilities.
Maryland Fleet Week 2024
As showcased during Maryland Fleet Week, the USS Marinette, with its advanced technology and skilled crew, embodies the future of the US Navy – a future built on adaptability, innovation, and the unwavering spirit of American sailors.
The Navy’s newest LCS, USS Marinette (LCS 25), docks in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor during Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore, June 18, 2024. (Image source: DVIDS)
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