LCS 14 headed for 2 long voyages

MOBILE, Ala. - The Navy's newest Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Manchester (LCS 14), departed from Austal USA builder's shipyard in Mobile on May 5 to begin its journey toward commissioning May 26 in Portsmouth, N.H. After the commissioning, LCS 14 will begin a long transit to its homeport in San Diego. As part of her sail around, Manchester will conduct regularly scheduled equipment and systems checks, training, visit several ports and transit through the Panama Canal. Manchester is the 12th LCS delivered to the Navy and the seventh Independence variant, built solely at Austal USA. The Independence variant is noted for its unique aluminum hull design and large flight deck size. (Source: USS Manchester 05/07/18)