MOBILE, Ala. — On May 23, Austal USA successfully launched the 17th Independence-variant littoral combat ship, the future USS Augusta (LCS 34), the company said in a release.
Assisted by tugs, the ship was escorted out of Austal USA’s floating dry dock and secured pier side on the waterfront for machinery commissioning and system activation in preparation for sea trials later this year.
The launch of Augusta was a multi-step process which involved lifting the 2,500-metric-ton ship almost three feet in the air, moving it approximately 400 feet onto a moored deck barge adjacent to the assembly bay using transporters and then transferring the LCS from the deck barge to a floating dry dock. The floating dry dock was submerged with LCS 34 entering the water for the first time.
“We’re proud to announce another successful milestone achievement for the LCS program at Austal USA,” said Austal USA’s Vice President of New Construction Dave Growden. “Austal USA’s team of talented shipbuilders are excited to have another LCS in the water and are looking forward to delivering her to the Navy so she can join her sister ships in the Pacific fleet.”
Augusta is the 17th of 19 Independence-variant littoral combat ships Austal USA is building for the U.S. Navy. Five LCS are under various stages of construction. Austal USA is also constructing four expeditionary fast transport ships for the U.S. Navy and will begin construction on Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships this summer.
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