Corrosion reportedly found in first Austal LCS

What’s reported to be “aggressive” corrosion has been found in USS Independence (LCS-2), the first Austal-built littoral combat ship.

According to a Bloomberg News report, the corrosion is in the propulsion areas  and permanent repair will require drydocking the ship and removing its water jets. Temporary repairs will allow the ship to operate safely in the interim.

According to the Bloomberg story, the Navy reported the corrosion in a written statement to congressional appropriations committees.

The Navy statement reportedly says that officials were concerned about the potential for corrosion during construction of the aluminum-hulled ship because of “dissimilar metals,” particularly near the steel propulsion shafts.

June 19, 2011