LCS-18 finishes acceptance trials

The ninth Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Charleston (LCS-18), finished acceptance trials in mid-July, according to a Navy announcement Aug. 1. The Independence-variant ships (with even-numbered hulls) are built by Austal USA in Mobile Ala. The acceptance trials finished July 19 in the Gulf of Mexico after a set of demonstrations both in-port and underway for the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). The trials are generally the last milestone before a ship is delivered to the Navy. The Navy conducted tests to demonstrate the ship’s propulsion plant, ship-handling abilities, and auxiliary systems. While underway, LCS-18 demonstrated its bow thruster, twin boom extensible crane operations with an 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat, surface and air self-defense exercises; and it demonstrated ship handling and maneuverability with high-speed steering and anchor operations. “Another solid acceptance trial by the Navy and industry team in Mobile,” said LCS Program Manager Capt. Mike Taylor. After delivery, the ship is to undergo a post-delivery availability that covers crew training, certification, and familiarization exercises in the Port City. Afterward, LCS 18 will sail to its homeport of San Diego alongside other Independence ships. The previous LCS variant, the future USS Tulsa (LCS-16), was delivered in April and will be commissioned in San Francisco in February 2019. Austal USA is also building the future Cincinnati (LCS-20), Kansas City (LCS-22), Oakland (LCS-24), and Mobile (LCS-26). Austal also won contracts to build the future USS Savannah (LCS-28) and Canberra (LCS-30) in 2017. (Source: Defense Daily 08/01/18)