LCS takes trial run

MOBILE, Ala. - The littoral combat ship Independence left its dock at Austal Tuesday for a day at sea, according to Jim DeMartini, General Dynamics Corp. spokesman. The ship, currently in builder's trials, is expected to head out at least one more time before it is handed over the U.S. Navy in mid-November for final inspection. One of a new class of shallow-water warships, it was built at Austal USA's Mobile shipyard as part of a team led by General Dynamics. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 10/14/09)