The following is text of a news release from Austal:
(MOBILE, Ala.) — Austal has announced that the 10th Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) has been delivered to the United States Navy. The future USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) will be the 18th LCS to join the fleet.
“This program continues to improve with efficiency and is delivering a first rate capability for the U.S. Navy. It is a credit to the hard-working and skilled team we have in Mobile, Ala.,“ Austal CEO David Singleton said.
Five small surface combatants are presently under various stages of construction at Austal’s Alabama shipyard. Kansas City (LCS 22) is preparing for sea trials. Assembly is underway on Oakland (LCS 24) and Mobile (LCS 26), and modules are under construction for Savannah (LCS 28) and Canberra (LCS 30), with four more under contract through to LCS 38.
Austal is also under contract to deliver 14 expeditionary fast transport vessels (EPFs) for the U.S. Navy. The company has delivered 10 EPFs into service with an additional two in various stages of construction.
The LCS provides a small surface combatant capability that is highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable, designed to support mine focused countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare missions. The Independence variant integrates new technology and capability to affordably support current and future mission capability, from deep water to littoral environments.
