US shipbuilder Austal USA has started the construction of landing craft utility (LCU) 1712 for the US Navy at its shipbuilding facility in Mobile, Alabama.
Construction on LCU 1712 officially begins with the initial cutting of steel and the launch of fabrication for the various modules that will ultimately be assembled into the completed vessel.
The LCU vessels play a crucial role in transporting personnel, vehicles, and cargo from ship to shore, even in the most challenging and austere environments. These units serve as essential assets in a wide array of operations, from direct military missions to humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts.
In August last year, Austal scored a contract to build two additional LCUs for the US Navy. The initial contract included three vessels.
They are designed to be transported within and load/unload from the well decks of amphibious assault ships, carrying loads up to 3.5 meters high, above the vessel’s vehicle deck. With a crew of 13, each vessel can conduct independent open ocean transits or operations at sea with a range of 1,200 nautical miles (at 8kn) and a top speed of 11 knots.