12th Wisconsin-built Littoral Combat Ship completes acceptance trials in Lake Michigan

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Dec 14, 2020 1:59 PM CDT

MARINETTE, Wis. (CBS 58) --- Littoral Combat Ship, 23, the future USS Cooptertown, completed acceptance trails in Lake Michigan Monday, Dec. 14.

Lockheed Martin Corporation officials say it is the 12th Wisconsin-built Freedom variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).

During trials, the Navy came aboard the ship to verify all systems were ready for delivery. This ist he last major milestone before delivery, which is slated for 2021.

This is also the 12th set of trails completed on LCS. According to a news release, the industry team building these ships is led by Lockheed Martin and built at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard.

Next up to complete trials will be LCS 25, named for Marinette, Wisconsin, according to officials.

Lockheed Martin Vice President Joe DePietro said LS 23 has unique flexibility for the Navy.

“LCS 23, like other Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ships, delivers unique flexibility and capability to the U.S. Navy. Freedom-variant LCS are inherently capable, and they offer 40% reconfigurable hull space to evolve to future U.S. Navy missions. During acceptance trials, LCS 23 proved its maneuverability, automation and core combat capability.”