Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine have delivered the future USS Little Rock (LCS 9) to the U.S. Navy.
The future USS Little Rock, the fifth Freedom-variant LCS built by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine, is scheduled to be commissioned in Buffalo later this year.
She will be the first U.S. Navy ship to be commissioned next to her decommissioned namesake.
(The future USS Little Rock’s (LCS 9) acceptance trials were completed in Marinette, Wisconsin, Aug. 25. The five-day, U.S. Navy-led trials featured a comprehensive array of tests designed to demonstrate performance of the ship’s propulsion plant, handling and auxiliary systems. Courtesy of Lockheed Martin and YouTube)
“We look forward to the day the future USS Little Rock joins the fleet,” said Joe DePietro, vice president of small surface combatants and ship systems.
Her superb sea trials performance highlights the success of the production and performance improvements achieved as a result of serial production.”
“This milestone would not have been possible without the extraordinary contributions of all Freedom-variant LCS teammates.”
LCS 9 completed acceptance trials last month with the highest score of any Freedom-variant LCS to date, earning a “clean sweep.”
During sea trials, the industry team also successfully demonstrated performance improvements, which will be incorporated into all future Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ships.
“Today’s important milestone for LCS 9 was made possible by the investment and improvements made to our serial production line, which allowed us to realize our vision for a full flex shipyard,” said Jan Allman, FMM president and CEO.
“Fincantieri Marinette Marine’s shipbuilders are proud to deliver this proven warship, and we look forward to working with the U.S. Navy to continue building these highly capable ships for the fleet.”
Named in honor of the patriotic and hardworking citizens of Little Rock, LCS 9 will be the second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of Arkansas’ largest city.
Her homeport will be Naval Station Mayport, where she’ll join USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) and USS Detroit (LCS 7).
The Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine team is currently in full-rate production of the Freedom-variant of the LCS, and has delivered five ships to the U.S. Navy to date.
There are seven ships in various stages of construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, with one more in long-lead production.
The Freedom-variant LCS team is comprised of Lockheed Martin, shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine, naval architect Gibbs & Cox, and more than 800 suppliers in 42 states.
