Lockheed Martin press release
Prior to today’s christening, the Lockheed Martin-led team launched the ship into the water on Jan. 19. LCS 23 is slated to begin sea trials later this year.
“The versatility, speed and lethality of the LCS make it a critical tool to help sailors achieve their missions. Today’s christening brings the USS Cooperstown one step closer to joining a capable fleet of ships supporting Navy missions in a multitude of ways.”
Joe DePietro, Lockheed Martin vice president of small combatants and ship systems.
To date, four Freedom-variant LCS have deployed to support U.S. Navy presence and peacekeeping missions. In the latest of these deployments, USS Little Rock (LCS 9) deployed in February 2020 to support operations in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility.
In total, there are more than 500,000 nautical miles under the keel of Freedom-variant LCS. The ship delivers advanced capability in anti-submarine, surface and mine countermeasure missions, and was designed to evolve with the changing security environment. As we see an increase in near-peer competition from large nation states, Lockheed Martin is partnering with the Navy to evolve LCS to meet these threats. Targeted upgrades are already underway with naval strike missiles being installed in support of upcoming deployments. Future installs of improved electronic warfare and decoy launching systems are under development.
“I am honored to serve as the sponsor for the next-generation ship Cooperstown,” said Tull. “The ship’s design and capabilities will keep our sailors safe as they carry out important missions to protect our nation and allied nations around the world.”
“Christening the 12th Freedom-variant LCS at our shipyard is a testament to the hard work and expertise of the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipbuilders,” said Jan Allman, Fincantieri Marinette Marine CEO. “It also is a reflection of our strong partnership with the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin and the capabilities of Team Freedom.”
