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Future Independence-class LCS USS Gabrielle Giffords Completes Acceptance Trials

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Naval Forces News - USA
 
 
 
Future Independence-class LCS USS Gabrielle Giffords Completes Acceptance Trials
 
The future USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) successfully completed its acceptance trials Nov. 18. The trials consisted of a series of in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).
     
USS Gabrielle Giffords LCS 10 Completes Acceptance Trials The future USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) conducts acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico, Nov. 17. Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy, which is planned for later this year. (Photo by Austal)
     
Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy. During the trials, the Navy conducted comprehensive tests of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) intended to demonstrate the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling and auxiliary systems.

“Another thorough trial by INSURV, and another ship with improved scores and at a lower cost than her predecessor,” said LCS program manager Capt. Tom Anderson. “LCS 10 is an exceptional ship which brings the Navy operational flexibility at an affordable price.”

While underway, the ship successfully performed launch and recovery operations of the 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat, surface and air self-defense detect-to-engage exercises, and demonstrations of the ship's maneuverability (to include a full power run in excess of 40 knots).

Following delivery and commissioning in Galveston, Texas, LCS 10 will sail to California to be homeported in San Diego with sister ships USS Independence (LCS 2), USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Jackson (LCS 6) and USS Montgomery (LCS 8).

Several more Independence variants are under construction at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. The future Omaha (LCS 12) and Manchester (LCS 14) are preparing for Builders Trials in 2017. Tulsa (LCS 16) is scheduled to be christened in early 2017. Other sister ships, Charleston (LCS 18), Cincinnati (LCS 20), Kansas City (LCS 22), Oakland (LCS 24) and Mobile (LCS 26) are all in varying stages of construction.

The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Freedom variant team is led by Lockheed Martin (for the odd-numbered hulls, e.g. LCS 1). The Independence variant team is led by Austal USA (for LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls).

Each LCS will be outfitted with a single mission package made up of mission modules containing warfighting systems and support equipment. A dedicated ship crew will combine with aviation assets to deploy manned and unmanned vehicles and sensors in support of mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare or surface warfare missions.