US Navy names 36th littoral combat ship USS Kingsville

The US Navy’s 36th littoral combat ship will be named USS Kingsville (LCS 36) in honor of the city of Kingsville, Texas, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has announced.

The Independence-variant is the first US Navy ship to bear the name.

“I am pleased to name a future Independence-variant LCS USS Kingsville,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer.

“The citizens of Kingsville have been steadfast partners to the Navy and Marine Corps team and their enduring support of our future strike fighter pilots have helped make the city of Kingsville the gateway for naval aviators. I am confident this ship will continue that legacy of service for decades to come.”

The future USS Kingsville will be built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. This ship will be 419 feet long with a beam length of 104 feet and be capable of operating at speeds in excess of 40 knots.

The navy has accepted delivery of 17 littoral combat ships (LCS). Including the recent contract modifications, a total of 35 LCSs have been procured with 11 ships under construction (LCS 17, 19-26) and seven more ships in pre-construction (LCS 29 – 32, 34, 36, 38).