
The Navy awarded Austal USA a $91.5 million modification on Sept. 6 for the detail design and construction of three Landing Craft Utility (LCU)-1700 class craft, making it the second shipyard building the vessels. LCUs are usually carried aboard amphibious ships in their well decks, acting as connectors to transport vehicles, cargo and personnel from the sea to the shore and back. The vessels are able to operate at sea independently for up to 10 days with a range of…