Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) have delivered another Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) to the U.S. Navy, LCS 15. Once commissioned, it will be known as the USS Billings. It is the eighth Freedom-variant LCS designed, built, and delivered by the Lockheed Martin team. The ship will have a homeport at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. alongside several other LCS vessels, including the USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), USS Detroit (LCS 7), USS Little Rock (LCS 9), USS Sioux City (LCS 11), and USS Wichita (LCS 13).
The LCS vessels are designed for close-to-shore missions. They are highly maneuverable, capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots, and highly automated. The LCS is equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles and a Mark 110 gun that can fire 220 rounds/minute. It is flexible and reconfigurable in terms of armaments, allowing the addition of weapons such as Long Bow missiles. The Freedom configuration enables the LCS 15 to support deep-water missions and meet both current and future requirements.
“We are proud to support the U.S. Navy surface fleet with delivery of another highly lethal and agile littoral combat ship,” said Joe DePietro, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Small Combatants and Ship Systems. “The Lockheed Martin-led industry team has hit its production and efficiency stride, and we know LCS will fulfill critical missions around the world for many years to come.”
“Fincantieri Marinette Marine is focused on delivering capable and proven warships to the U.S. Navy,” added Jan Allman, president and CEO of FMM. “This milestone is a testament to our hot serial production line, and the skilled test and trials collaboration across the entire LCS Freedom team.”
