Lockheed noted the US Navyrsquos 2010 ldquoblock buyrdquo contract for the Freedomclass LCS has made it possible to optimize the design and development costs for the combatcapable vessels so that the latest ships are produced at half the cost of the originals

US Navy Exercises Option, Orders New Ship from Lockheed

April 6, 2016
The U.S. Navy issued a $564-million to Lockheed Martin, authorizing it to proceed with construction of a new littoral combat ship – the 25th vessel in LCS defense program, which Lockheed and others were assigned in 2008.

The U.S. Navy issued a new, $564-million to Lockheed Martin (IW500/30), authorizing construction of a new littoral combat ship – the twenty-fifth vessel in LCS defense program, which Lockheed and its partners were assigned in 2005.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the U.S. Navy to build and deliver the capable Freedom-class LCS to the fleet,” stated Lockheed’s Joe North, vice president and general manager of Littoral Ships and Systems.

The LCS vessels are combat-capable ships designed for “multi-mission support” in littoral zones (i.e., near to shore.) The first ship in the series was commissioned in 2005, and the Pentagon has issued contracts for a total of 55 ships. While the Lockheed team is responsible for the Freedom-class LCS vessels, a separate consortium led by Austal USA is responsible the Independence-class LCS vessels.

Freedom-class LCS vessels are assigned odd numbers — in the current example, LCS 25 — while Independence Class ships are given by even numbers. According to Lockheed, the Freedom Class LCS program is in full-rate production, with three ships delivered to date and seven ships in varying stages of construction.

“Over 12,000 people and 500 suppliers in 37 states contribute to this critical program and will continue to do so as we transition to the new Freedom-class Frigate in the coming years,” according to North.

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About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)

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