LCS builder's trial set

MOBILE, Ala. - The littoral combat ship Independence is set to go to sea for the first time Monday for a builder’s trial. Built by Austal USA, the aluminum trimaran ship has been under construction for more than three years. Acceptance trials are scheduled for August, with delivery slated for September. Austal is part of the General Dynamics LCS team. A rival team led by Lockheed Martin has completed its own version of the shallow-water vessel built to a different design. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 06/27/09)