LCS will have big impact

The Mobile Press-Register takes a look at the impact of a $5 billion contract for Austal USA to build littoral combat ships. It will mean 1,800 extra jobs, but the ripple impact will go well beyond that, ranging from employee spending to the possibility of suppliers setting up shop in Mobile. Congress last week approved buying 10 ships from Austal and competitor Lockheed Martin. The Navy ultimately plans to buy 55 of the ships. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 12/27/10)