Austal delivers LCS 18 to Navy

MOBILE, Ala. - The Navy accepted delivery of the future Littoral Combat Ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) during a ceremony here at the Austal USA shipyard on Aug. 31. The delivery marks the official transfer of LCS-18 from the Austal USA-led shipbuilding team to the Navy. It is the final milestone before commissioning, which is yet to be finalized. Charleston is the 16th LCS to be delivered to the Navy and the eighth of the Independence variant that are all built at the Mobile, Ala., shipyard. LCS-18 will make San Diego its homeport alongside other Independence LCS. The Independence variant is noted for its unique trimaran hull and its large flight deck. (Source: US Navy 09/04/18)