LCS 10 successfully completes acceptance trials

NOVEMBER 22, 2016 — Naval Sea Systems Command reports that future USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) successfully completed its acceptance trials Nov. 18.

The trials consisted of a series of in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).

Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy. During the trials, the Navy conducted comprehensive tests of the Independence-variant LCS intended to demonstrate the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling and auxiliary systems.

“Another thorough trial by INSURV, and another ship with improved scores and at a lower cost than her predecessor,” said LCS program manager Capt. Tom Anderson. “LCS 10 is an exceptional ship which brings the Navy operational flexibility at an affordable price.”

While underway, the ship successfully performed launch and recovery operations of the 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat, surface and air self-defense detect-to-engage exercises, and demonstrations of the ship’s maneuverability (to include a full power run in excess of 40 knots).

Following delivery and commissioning in Galveston, Texas, LCS 10 will sail to California to be homeported in San Diego with sister ships USS Independence (LCS 2), USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Jackson (LCS 6) and USS Montgomery (LCS 8).

Several more Independence variants are under construction at shipbuilder Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. The future Omaha (LCS 12) and Manchester (LCS 14) are preparing for Builders Trials in 2017. Tulsa (LCS 16) is scheduled to be christened in early 2017. Other sister ships, Charleston (LCS 18), Cincinnati (LCS 20), Kansas City (LCS 22), Oakland (LCS 24) and Mobile (LCS 26) are all in varying stages of construction.