A Lockheed Martin-led industry team has launched a new Freedom-variant littoral combat ship into Menominee River following the vessel’s christening at Fincantieri Marinette Marine's shipyard.
In addition to being geared to travel at speeds over 40 knots, the LCS features a customizable hull, automation technology and rolling airframe missiles, the company said Saturday.
Jodi Greene, deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Navy for policy, christened the future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul as the ship’s sponsor.
“Littoral combat ships are designed to operate in more areas than a typical Navy ship, including shallow water near the coastline,†Greene commented.
“LCS 21 and her sister ships will soon represent the interests of the United States where and when needed,†said Jan Allman, president and CEO at Fincantieri Marinette Marine.