Future USS Billings completes acceptance trials
NewsDecember 11, 2018
MARINETTE, Wis. Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 15, the future USS Billings, has completed acceptance trials in the waters of Lake Michigan, its last significant milestone before delivery to the U.S. Navy during 2019.
LCS 15 is the eighth Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin-led industry team. The LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal, and adaptable ship, according to Lockheed Martin officials, and is designed to support focused missions including mine countermeasures, antisubmarine warfare, and surface-warfare missions; the Freedom-variant LCS integrates new technology and capability to affordably support current and future mission capability from deep water to the littorals.
The recent trials included a full-power run, maneuverability testing, and surface and air detect-to-engage demonstrations of the ship's combat system; along with demonstrations of major systems and features, including aviation support, small boat launch handling and recovery, and machinery control and automation.
Once the ship is delivered, it will be stationed at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida.
