Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) have delivered the US Navy’s newest Freedom-class littoral combat ship (LCS 9), which is the future USS Little Rock.

Little Rock is the fifth ship of the Freedom variant that has been jointly constructed by the two companies.

Slated to be commissioned with the US Navy in Buffalo, US, later this year, the vessel will be the first navy ship to be commissioned next to its namesake, the decommissioned USS Little Rock, a World War II-era Cleveland-class light cruiser.

LCS 9 is named in honour of the patriotic and hardworking citizens of Little Rock and will be the second navy vessel to be named after the Arkansas city in the US.

Little Rock will be homeported in Naval Station Mayport where it will join the US Navy ships, USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) and USS Detroit (LCS 7).

LCS 9 completed acceptance trials last month, during which the ship demonstrated the capabilities of its propulsion plant, ship handling and auxiliary systems. It received the highest score of any Freedom-class LCS to date.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Prior to this, the LCS successfully completed the Builder’s Trials, which were designed to evaluate the vessel’s performance under a wide range of operating conditions.

The Lockheed Martin and FMM are currently carrying out the full-rate production of the LCSs.

The companies have delivered five Freedom-class vessels to the US Navy to date. There are seven LCSs under various stages of construction at FMM, with another in long-lead production.