Austal-Mobile launches 17th LCS

MOBILE, Ala. – Austal USA successfully launched its 17th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Augusta (LCS 34), on May 24. Assisted by tugs, the ship was escorted from Austal floating dry dock and secured pier side for machinery commissioning and system activation in preparation for sea trials later in 2022. The launch was a multi-step process, which involved lifting the 2,500-metric-ton ship almost three feet in the air, moving it about 400 feet onto a moored deck barge next to the assembly bay – using transporters - then transferring the LCS from the deck barge to a floating dry dock. The floating dry dock was submerged with LCS 34 entering the water for the first time. Augusta is the 17th of 19 LCS that Austal is building for the Navy. Four LCS are under various stages of construction. Austal USA is also constructing four Expeditionary Fast Transport ships for the Navy and will begin construction on Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ships this summer. (Source: Austal USA 05/24/22) Austal USA launches the future USS Augusta (LCS 34) | Austal: Corporate