U.S. Navy’s newest littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) completed final contract trials on March 17, achieving her first milestone since commissioning in September, 2016.
The completion of the construction and initial operating testing of the Navy’s eighth LCS are part of a series of post-delivery test and trial events through which the ship and its major systems are exercised.
The five-day trials began with pre-underway and material condition checks followed by at-sea demonstrations. Trial highlights included combat systems air and surface detect-to-engage scenarios, 57mm gun firing exercises, maneuvering testing and operation of the twin boom extendable crane.
“I am exceptionally proud of the USS Montgomery team and the combined efforts of the blue and gold crews, Program Executive Office Littoral Combat Ships (PEO LCS), Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1, and all of the other contributors who worked to create this successful outcome,” said Cmdr. Mark Stefanik , Montgomery’s commanding officer. “Montgomery has continued to raise the bar and we are looking forward to her next challenge and a successful introduction to fleet operations.”
Several government and private agencies supported the trials led by PEO LCS; industry partners included Austal USA and General Dynamics Mission Systems, and Southwest Regional Maintenance Center provided logistical support. Additionally, in a move to the blue and gold crewing construct, Montgomery Blue Crew, currently in an off-hull status, successfully demonstrated the support a Blue-Gold model provides.
Constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, the Independence-class vessel is the fourth vessel of the trimaran design. Montgomery is preceded by USS Independence (LCS 2), USS Coronado (LCS 4), and USS Jackson (LCS 6).