“Minneapolis-Saint Paul: A New Era as Littoral Combat Ship 21 Successfully Wraps Up Acceptance Trials!”

Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 21, the upcoming USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul, has successfully completed its acceptance trials in Lake Michigan. These trials featured a full-power operation, agility assessments, and surface and aerial detection-to-engagement exercises of the vessel’s combat system. Key systems and functionalities were showcased, including aviation support, handling and recovery of small boat launches, as well as machinery control and automation. With the trials now finalized, the ship will proceed to the final outfitting and precision adjustments before being handed over to the U.S. Navy. LCS 21 is the eleventh ship in the Freedom variant series, designed and constructed by the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)-led consortium, and is anticipated to be delivered to the Navy early next year.

“LCS 21 joins a fleet of sister vessels that provide unparalleled flexibility and capability to the U.S. Navy,” noted Joe DePietro, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager for Small Combatants and Ship Systems. “Freedom-variant LCS vessels are intrinsically able to conduct freedom of navigation, drug interdiction, and humanitarian missions, and with added capabilities integrated onboard, they can undertake more targeted missions. During LCS 21’s acceptance trials, we effectively evaluated the ship’s agility, automation, and core combat potential.”

The Freedom-variant LCS has accomplished four successful missions, including LCS 7 (USS Detroit)’s deployment, which concluded this summer. LCS 7 was deployed to the U.S. Southern Command and supported the Martillo campaign – a multinational initiative aimed at disrupting illicit trafficking routes in Central American coastal waters.

Speaking on LCS’ capabilities, U.S. Southern Commander Admiral Craig Faller recently remarked, “LCS has demonstrated itself as an efficient and versatile platform capable of conducting multiple operations within our jurisdiction. It has emerged as a critical enabler for U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement agencies that combat transnational criminal networks and the smuggling of lethal drugs. Incorporating LCS into our Enhanced Counter Narcotics Operation is contributing to saving lives.”

Distinguished from traditional combat vessels, the specialized mission LCS is built to assist in mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare tasks, and can be swiftly adapted for future and evolving demands. The Freedom-variant LCS is:

• Versatile — Forty percent of the hull is readily reconfigurable, allowing the integration of Longbow Hellfire Missiles, 30 mm guns, and manned as well as unmanned vehicles tailored to address both current and future missions.
• Deadly — The LCS is standardly armed with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute.
• Robust — Equipped with gas turbines, diesel engines, and water jets, the LCS generates a remarkable 114,000 horsepower, enabling speeds surpassing 40 knots.
• Streamlined — The LCS boasts the most efficient crew management of any combat vessel.

“I am delighted to witness another successful acceptance trial on Lake Michigan,” stated Jan Allman, CEO of Fincantieri Marinette Marine. “Collaborating with our partners, Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. Navy, our dedicated shipbuilding team invests considerable effort to deliver a proven warship for the fleet.”