LCS 8 completes acceptance trials

Sister ship LCS 2

MAY 16, 2016 — Austal USA reports that Littoral Combat Ship Montgomery (LCS 8), the fourth Independence-variant LCS built at its Mobile, AL, shipyard, successfully completed its acceptance trials May 6, 2016, in the Gulf of Mexico.

“I am excited that the Austal team has achieved another major milestone in the LCS program.” said Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle. “With seven LCS under construction, our focus on leveraging lessons learned from ship to ship is sharp. The momentum gained on this program is great to see and will position us well in the future.”

The acceptance trials involved the execution of comprehensive tests by the Austal-led industry team while underway, including launch and recovery operations of the 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), a four-hour full power run, surface and air self-defense detect-to-engage exercises, and demonstrating the ship’s maneuverability performing tight turns and accomplishing speeds in excess of 40 knots.

Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship, which is expected soon.

“The successful completion of these trials is tribute to not only the hard work and dedication of the men and women who make up Austal’s talented shipbuilding team but is a credit to entire Mobile community,” said Mr. Perciavalle. “This is truly a team effort between our expert shipbuilders and our local suppliers, local governments and supportive community.”