LCS 6 launched in Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. -- The future USS Jackson (LCS 6) launched from the Austal USA shipyard Saturday, while up in Wisconsin next week, the future USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) will launch from the Marinette Marine. These ships represent the beginning of "serial production" for the class. LCS 6 will now undergo outfitting, and test and evaluation of its major systems at the Austal shipyard. The ship's christening is planned for the spring. The LCS class consists of two variants, the trimaran design Independence variant, and the monohull design Freedom variant. The ships are designed and built by two industry teams, led by Austal USA and Lockheed Martin, respectively. Jackson is the third LCS constructed by Austal USA. (Source: NNS, 12/15/13)