Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 13, the future USS Wichita, has completed Acceptance Trials in the waters of Lake Michigan.
LCS 13 is the seventh Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin-led industry team, and is slated for delivery to the US Navy later this summer.
The trials included a full-power run, manoeuvrability testing and air detect-to-engage demonstrations of the ship’s combat system. Major systems and features were demonstrated including aviation support, and small boat launch handling and recovery.
The future USS Wichita is one of eight ships in various stages of production and test at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, with one more in long-lead production.
The next Freedom-variant in the class is LCS 15, the future USS Billings. LCS 15 is scheduled to complete sea trials this year.
Joe DePietro, Vice President, Small Combatants and Ship Systems at Lockheed Martin, said: “LCS 13’s completion of Acceptance Trials means this ship is one step closer to joining the fleet and conducting critical maritime operations for the Navy.
“This ship is agile, powerful and lethal, and the industry team and I are looking forward to her delivery, commissioning and deployment.”
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