The future USS Indianapolis (LCS-17) Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship finished acceptance trials while the future Independence-variant USS Cincinnati (LCS-20) was delivered to the Navy this week.
LCS-17, built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin, completed its trials in Lake Michigan. This marked the last significant milestone before the ship is delivered to the Navy later this year, prime contractor Lockheed Martin [LMT] said on Wednesday.
The Indianapolis is the ninth odd-numbered Freedom-variant LCS.
Trials included a full-power run, maneuverability testing, and air and surface detect-to-engage demonstrations of the ship’s combat system. Other major systems demonstrated included aviation support, small boat launch handling and recovery, and machinery control and automation.
The company said the Navy expects to commission the vessel in October.
Separately, Austal USA delivered the future USS Cincinnati (LCS-20) at its facility in Mobile, Ala., on Tuesday. LCS-20 is the 10th even-numbered Independence-class LCS and 18th total LCS delivered to the Navy.
“It’s so exciting to deliver another great warship to the U.S. Navy. I’m so proud of our incredible team here at Austal USA, our industry and Navy partners for achieving this major milestone for the future USS Cincinnati,” Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said in a statement.
Austal has five LCSs under different phases of construction in Mobile, including the future USS Kansas City (LCS-22) preparing for sea trials, assembly underway for the future USS Oakland (LCS-24) and Mobile (LCS-26), and modules under construction for the future USS Savannah (LCS-28) and Canberra (LCS-30). Four additional vessels are under contract through LCS-28.