US Navy Poised To Accept LCS2

The US Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program took an important step forward in mid-11/2009, when the Independence (LCS 2) received the approval of the service's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) to accept the vessel. The green light was given following trials in the Gulf of Mexico, which identified some minor deficiencies. The 2,790-ton aluminum-hulled trimaran, for which General Dynamics Bath Iron Works is serving as prime contractor, is being constructed at Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, with service entry anticipated by the end of 12/2009. The estimated cost of the Independence is $704 mil, compared to $637 mil for the Freedom (LCS 1), for which Lockheed Martin is acting as prime contractor and which was built at Marinette Marine (MM) shipyard, Wisconsin.