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In documents submitted to the ASX, Austal has announced that the future USS Oakland has completed acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico. Built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, this expands the Independence Class littoral combat ship (LCS) fleet to 12.
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According to Austal chief executive David Singleton, the successful completion of acceptance trials for LCS 24 during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated Austal USA’s ability to deliver under even the most challenging of circumstances.
“Austal USA has clearly answered the call, as part of a mission-essential industry, to continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and deliver on commitments to the US Navy,” said Singleton.
“The completion of acceptance trials for LCS 24 during this time of adversity is an outstanding achievement and a great acknowledgement of the skills and commitment of the Austal USA team.”
Acceptance trials involve the execution of a number of tests by the Austal USA-led industry team under supervision of United States Navy personnel. The trials are the last significant milestone before handover, which is currently scheduled for June 2020.
The Independence Class LCS is a high-speed surface combatant with an aluminium trimaran hull geared towards “littoral” combat; that is, operations taking place close to shore or in shallow-water condition. Accordingly, the vessel boasts a particularly shallow-draft profile.
A fast, manoeuvrable and networked surface combatant, LCS is geared towards executing surface warfare, mine warfare and anti-submarine warfare missions. USS Montgomery (LCS 8) and USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) continue their successful deployment with the Pacific fleet, while seven other Independence variant LCS are currently based in San Diego, USA.
Austal USA’s Independence Class LCS program is at full-rate production, with six ships currently under construction, including Oakland. The future USS Mobile (LCS 26) has been launched and is preparing for trials.
