The future USS Savannah (LCS 28) has successfully completed acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama-based shipbuilder Austal said.
USS Savannah is the 14th Independence-class littoral combat chip (LCS) built at Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard for the United States Navy.
The 13th Independence-class USS Mobile (LCS 26), was delivered in December and commissioned earlier this month.
Acceptance trials include a number of tests by the Austal USA-led industry team while the vessel is underway. This is to demonstrate to the US Navy the successful operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment.
These trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship, which is scheduled for late June 2021.
USS Savannah will be homeported in San Diego, with thirteen other Independence-class LCS.
The Independence-class LCS is a high-speed, shallow-draft surface combatant with an aluminum trimaran hull that provides class-leading, multi-mission capability. As a fast, maneuverable, and networked surface-combatant, LCS provides the required warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility to execute surface warfare, mine warfare, and anti-submarine warfare missions.
Austal USA’s Independence-class LCS program has four ships currently under construction. The future USS Canberra (LCS 30) will be christened on 5 June 2021, with the USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) also in final assembly. Fabrication has begun on USS Augusta (LCS 34) and USS Kingsville (LCS 36). The future USS Pierre will commence fabrication later in 2021.