US Navy LCS completes acceptance trials

The US Navy’s ninth Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) has completed acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico.

The vessel was designed and built by Austal at its Alabama shipyard.

LCS Charleston will be the third LCS the US Navy has taken delivery of in 2018.

The completion of acceptance trials is the last major milestone required by the US Navy before the ship is delivered and commissioned into service.

The trial involves the execution of intensive and comprehensive tests by an industry team to demonstrate to the navy the successful operation of the ship’s major systems and equipment.