US Navy’s new littoral combat ship passes acceptance trials

The US Navy’s new littoral combat ship, the future USS Oakland (LCS 24), concluded acceptance trials on May 22 following a series of in-port and underway demonstrations in the Gulf of Mexico.

During trials — the final milestone prior to the ship’s delivery — the navy conducts comprehensive tests of systems, including those essential to a ship’s performance at sea such as the main propulsion, auxiliaries and electrical systems.

The ship also performed critical capability tests, including a full-power demonstration, steering and quick reversal, anchor drop test and combat system detect-to-engage sequence.

“I am impressed with the positive results achieved by the navy and industry team during this acceptance trial of the future USS Oakland,” Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program Manager Capt. Mike Taylor said.

“We continue to see improvements in this class as we work to provide cost-effective warfighting capability to the fleet and the nation.”

Following delivery and commissioning, USS Oakland will sail to California to be homeported in San Diego with its eleven sister ships.

Four additional Independence-variant ships are under construction at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. The future USS Mobile (LCS 26) is undergoing final assembly. The modules for the future USS Savannah (LCS 28) and future USS Canberra (LCS 30) also are being erected, and modules for the future USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) are being fabricated.

Additionally, Austal USA is preparing for the construction of the future USS Augusta (LCS 34), USS Kingsville (LCS 36) and USS Pierre (LCS 38).

LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable warship designed to support mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare missions. The Independence-variant LCS integrates new technology and capability to support current and future mission capability from deep water to the littorals.

LCS is now the second-largest US Navy surface ship class in production. In 2019, three LCSs were delivered to the fleet and five will be delivered in 2020.