LCS 16 arrives in San Diego from Ala.

SAN DIEGO - The Independence variant Littoral Combat Ship Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Tulsa (LCS 16) arrived at Naval Base San Diego on Nov. 21 after completing its maiden voyage from the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Prior to arriving at its new homeport in San Diego, Tulsa made multiple port calls and completed a successful transit through the Panama Canal. “Every day at sea … we trained together as a team, conducting a myriad of drills while getting to know our ship even better,” said Cmdr. Drew Borovies, the ship’s commanding officer. Tulsa is scheduled for commissioning on Feb. 16, 2019, in San Francisco. The Navy accepted delivery during a ceremony in Mobile on April 30. “The (mine countermeasures warfare package) is vital to ensuring continued access and maneuverability in the littoral battlespace,” said Capt. Matthew McGonigle, commander, COMLCSRON ONE. Tulsa will be the squadron’s second LCS slated for the newly forming MCM division. (Source: LCS Squadron One 11/22/18)