US Navy launches newest Freedom-class LCS Marinette

The US Navy has launched the Freedom-class littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Marinette (LCS 25).

The LCS 25, which is the 13th Freedom-variant ship, was constructed by Fincantieri Marinette Marine.

It is the second navy ship to be named after the city of Marinette. The first vessel to be named after the city was a Natick-class large harbour tug.

The keel for the future USS Marinette was laid in March last year, marking the start of its construction.

The LCS programme of the US Navy involves construction of the vessels in two variants, the Freedom-class, and the Independence-class.

Austal USA serves as the prime contractor for the Independence-class variant, while Lockheed Martin is for the Freedom-variant.

There are 11 LCS vessels that are being constructed at the shipyards.

The US Navy’s LCS-class vessels are designed to conduct mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare missions.

The Freedom-variant LCS uses new capability and technology to aid the current and future mission capability. They are equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun.

Last month, Austal USA laid the keel for the US Navy’s 16th Independence-class LCS, the future USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32).

In October last year, the US Navy commissioned its newest Freedom-variant USS Indianapolis (LCS 17).