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Lockheed Martin has handed over delivery of the future USS Marinette Freedom Class littoral combat ship to the United States Navy.
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The ship was transferred from the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin on 3 February for acceptance into the Navy.
After commissioning in June this year, the ship is expected to be homeported in Mayport, Florida and undertake support-focused mine countermeasures and surface warfare missions in the future.
The ship successfully completed its acceptance trial in November 2022. During the trial, Navy personnel conducted testing of operational capabilities, full power demonstration, steering, quick reversal, anchor drop testing, combat system detect-to-engage sequence as well as testing of propulsion, auxiliaries, and electrical systems.
LCS program manager Captain Andy Gold said LCS 25 is outfitted with the combining gear correction that will allow for unrestricted operations.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the life of the future USS Marinette,” CAPT Gold said.
“I look forward to the commissioning of Marinette later this year and recognising the contribution of her namesake town and the great shipbuilders who bring these warships to life, ensuring they are ready to accomplish mission tasking in support of our nation’s maritime strategy.”
The LCS class is the second-largest surface ship class in production for the US Navy. The Navy will now continue post-delivery certifications and qualifications to ready the ship for fleet operations.
There are three more Freedom-variant ships under construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard with the USS Nantucket (LCS 27) scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2023, while future ships USS Beloit (LCS 29) and USS Cleveland (LCS 31) at various stages of construction.
