Last week, on January 31, the long run USS Kingsville (LCS 36) returned pier facet after efficiently finishing acceptance trials within the Gulf of Mexico for the U.S. Navy, Mobile, Ala. shipbuilder Austal USA introduced.
During acceptance trials, complete testing is carried out on the ship’s main techniques and gear in an effort to show their profitable operation and mission readiness. The U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey participates all through the trials to validate the standard of development and compliance with Navy necessities.
“The completion of trials combined with the recent delivery of USNS Cody (EPF 14) adds up to a successful start to 2024 for Austal USA,” mentioned Dave Growden, Austal USA Vice President of New Construction Programs. “Congratulations to our Austal USA shipbuilders, vendors and our Navy teammates who coordinated to accomplish this successful milestone getting the ship ready for delivery in a couple of weeks.”
Kingsville would be the 18th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship to affix the Navy within the Pacific fleet. This leaves the long run USS Pierre (LCS 38) as the ultimate LCS beneath development at Austal USA bringing the Independence-variant line to a detailed. Pierre will likely be christened this spring.
In addition to the 2 remaining LCS, Austal USA can also be setting up two Expeditionary Fast Transport ships, two Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ships, an Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium craft, and an unmanned floor vessel for the Navy in addition to modules for each the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine packages and plane elevators for the Ford-class plane service fleet. Construction will start this summer season on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutters.