|
First Littoral Combat Ship Christened
Thousands looked on Sept. 24 as the Navy christened and launched the nation's first littoral combat ship, Freedom (LCS-1), at the Marinette Marine shipyard.Just a little more than three years ago she was just an idea, now Freedom stands before us. And on this morning, we christen her, send her down the ways and get her ready to join the fleet next year, said Adm. Mike Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations. It comes none too soon, because there are tough challenges out there that only she can handle. The 377-foot Freedom is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. The ship will act as a platform for launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles. Its modular design will support interchangeable mission packages, allowing the ship to be reconfigured for antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare, or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis. Posted by: Oztralian 2006-09-25 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=166838 |