Both builders of the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships are busy cranking out new hulls, aiming at what could be a banner year for the program in 2015.
On August 5 in Mobile, Alabama, Austal USA rolled the Independence-class MONTGOMERY (LCS 8) out of its building shed onto a barge, which was then moved up the Mobile River to transfer the ship to a floating drydock. The LCS was launched the following day when the drydock was taken to deeper water and flooded.
Each shipyard plans to deliver two ships to the Navy in 2015, making the first time four LCSs will be delivered in one year. (Defensenews)