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| First Littoral Combat Ship Christened |
| 2006-09-25 |
| Thousands looked on Sept. 24 as the Navy christened and launched the nation's first littoral combat ship, Freedom (LCS-1), at the Marinette Marine shipyard. “Just a little more than three years ago she was just an idea, now Freedom stands before us. And on this morning, we christen her, send her down the ways and get her ready to join the fleet next year,” said Adm. Mike Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations. “It comes none too soon, because there are tough challenges out there that only she can handle.” The 377-foot Freedom is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. The ship will act as a platform for launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles. Its modular design will support interchangeable mission packages, allowing the ship to be reconfigured for antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare, or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis. |
| Posted by:Oztralian |
| #13 The LCS is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep I want a ride on one! I'd like to see a package that includes an MLRS system and a reload capability, gyro-stabilized for inshore action. Now THAT would be awesome! Well, it's supposed to be reconfigurable. I wouldn't be too surprised if comes with a package with some big guns. :-) |
| Posted by: gorb 2006-09-25 23:41 |
| #12 I'd like to see a package that includes an MLRS system and a reload capability, gyro-stabilized for inshore action. Now THAT would be awesome! |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2006-09-25 23:10 |
| #11 When I read the artical the first time I missed the part about the sponsor. I wish they had gone ahead and named it after him. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2006-09-25 22:30 |
| #10 put your lips together and |
| Posted by: Frank G 2006-09-25 21:20 |
| #9 You do know how to dial a phone, don't you Frank? |
| Posted by: Lauren Bacall 2006-09-25 20:49 |
| #8 The real news:Its modular design will support interchangeable mission packages, allowing the ship to be reconfigured for antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare, or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis. Littorally. Sorry. I can't help it. |
| Posted by: Cravins Jerenter1327 2006-09-25 20:43 |
| #7 Every time i see one of these new waships/fighters/toys I get real jealous. |
| Posted by: Cyber Sarge 2006-09-25 19:09 |
| #6 no dialing O! on the little pink telephone for you, Emily! |
| Posted by: Frank G 2006-09-25 19:02 |
| #5 What the dickens is all this fuss over a clittoral combat ship? You don't need a ship to combat a clittoris! What did the little man in the boat do to you? Why would anyone want to fight a clittoris, you should make friends with them. Why all you need is a nice chub and some warm... Huh? What's that Jane? It's Littoral, not Clitoral? Oh. Never mind! |
| Posted by: Emily 2006-09-25 16:41 |
| #4 lol, GK! Sooooo true. And, RWV, I honed in on those comments too. Very interesting. Are we tagging up with the Brits and the Aussies against the future dustup with China? Mehopes the Freedom gets to try out her wares off the coast of Somalia against those dreaded pirates. Of course, then one of our staple subjects (Weekly Piracy report) will be taken from us, lol! |
| Posted by: BA 2006-09-25 14:07 |
| #3 But, as Mullen made clear, Freedom also acknowledges new challenges faced by the Navy in the war on terror and will complement the vision of a global “1,000-ship navy” built upon ad hoc maritime partnerships. “Freedom will know how to fight, but she can also be a friend,” said Mullen. “I am convinced that if we pool resources together, as partners and friends, we can best tackle many of the tough maritime problems we face. The Freedom class will fit perfectly into such partnerships. Her shallow draft and agility will allow her to go, when asked -- deep into green and brown water -- where we, our allies, and emerging partners face some of the most difficult challenges.” The most interesting part of this is the glimpse into what the Navy thinks its mission will be over the next 30 or so years. |
| Posted by: RWV 2006-09-25 13:07 |
| #2 Just wondering when the bastards at ACLU will try to stop the practice of "christening". |
| Posted by: GK 2006-09-25 12:53 |
| #1 Fast, able to operate in inshore waters, delievered at a reasonable cost, but seriously undergunned IMO. |
| Posted by: Cheaderhead 2006-09-25 10:41 |