The following is the text of a news release from Lockheed Martin:
(MARINETTE, Wis.) — The Lockheed Martin-led industry team launched the 13th littoral combat ship (LCS) into the Menominee River at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard on Saturday.
Ship sponsor Kate Lehrer christened LCS 13, the future USS Wichita, in Navy tradition by breaking a champagne bottle across the ship's bow just prior to the launch.
"It is an honor and privilege to serve as the sponsor of the future USS Wichita and to be a part of this major milestone in the ship's journey toward joining the great U.S. Navy fleet," Lehrer said. "I look forward and to an ongoing relationship with Wichita's future crews and their families throughout the ship's service."
LCS 13 will undergo additional outfitting and testing at Fincantieri Marinette Marine before the ship's anticipated delivery next year.
"The christening and launch of LCS 13 marks an important step in her journey towards joining the fleet," said Joe North, vice president of littoral ships and systems. "The Freedom-variant LCS plays a critical role in the U.S. Navy's maritime security strategy, and we are committed to getting LCS 13 and her highly capable sister ships into combatant commanders' hands as quickly as possible."
The Lockheed Martin-led industry team is currently in full-rate production of the Freedom variant, with six ships under construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine and three more in long-lead material procurement. The ship's design and open architecture allows the Navy to rapidly acquire and deploy a fleet of highly flexible and capable ships at a fraction of the cost of other platforms.
"Fincantieri Marinette Marine is proud to christen and launch another Freedom-variant warship that will enable our Navy to carry out its missions where and when needed," said Jan Allman, Fincantieri Marinette Marine president and CEO. "We continue to optimize our production processes and leverage the craftsmanship and skills of our employees to produce these high-quality vessels for our sailors."
LCS 13 will be the third U.S. Navy ship named USS Wichita. Previous ships to bear the name included a World War II heavy cruiser (CA 45) and a Wichita-class Replenishment Oiler (AOR 1).
The Lockheed Martin-led LCS team is comprised of shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine, naval architect Gibbs & Cox, and more than 500 suppliers in 37 states. The Freedom variant's steel monohull is based on a proven, survivable design recognized for its stability and reliability. With 40 percent reconfigurable shipboard space, the hull is ideally suited to accommodate additional lethality and survivability upgrades associated with the Freedom-variant Frigate.
