USS Milwaukee returns to sea after break down

U.S. Navy’s fifth littoral combat ship, USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), which was towed to port after breaking down, arrived at the BAE Systems shipyard February 19.

Milwaukee, left Norfolk February 17, after having completed initial engineering repairs on her propulsion system.

An investigation has been ongoing since the ship experienced a loss of propulsion while underway in December.

According to the U.S. Navy, the current focus of the investigation indicates a likely failure of an emergency stop event in response to a loss of fuel pressure to both the port and starboard gas turbine engines that occurred while operating in combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) mode.

Though Milwaukee is a San Diego-based ship, it is currently manned with a Mayport-based team, LCS Crew 108. After successful completion of required certifications, they executed a crew swap late last year at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story.

Mayport is scheduled to be the home of eight Freedom variant littoral combat ships and 12 LCS crews, starting with USS Little Rock (LCS 9).

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