Navy accepts delivery of LCS 22

MOBILE, Ala. - The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Kansas City (LCS 22) on Feb. 12 during a ceremony at Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Kansas City is the 21st Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) delivered to the Navy and the 11th Independence variant - all built at Austal USA - to join the fleet. Delivery marks the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy. It is the final milestone prior to commissioning, which is planned for later this year. “This is a tremendous day for the Navy and our country with the delivery of the future USS Kansas City,” said LCS Program Manager Capt. Mike Taylor. “I look forward to celebrating the commissioning of this great ship alongside the crew later this year.” Four additional Independence-variant ships are under construction at Austal USA: Oakland (LCS 24), Mobile (LCS 26), Savannah (LCS 28) and Canberra (LCS 30). Four additional ships are awaiting the start of construction. (Source: PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants 02/12/20)