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MARINETTE, Wisc., April 17, 2023 – The Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)-led shipb.uilding team launched Littoral Combat Ship 31, the future USS Cleveland. Ship sponsor, Robyn Modly christened Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 31, prior to its launch into the Menominee River at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) Shipyard on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
“Lockheed Martin is proud to celebrate this significant milestone for Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 31, the future Cleveland and final Freedom-variant ship. The LCS Freedom-variant remains the most adaptable warship in the Navy’s fleet, designed to stay ahead of our nation’s adversaries and fulfill the dynamic missions of the U.S. Navy. Our team maintains a strong partnership with the U.S. Navy to add lethality and survivability enhancements to the highly capable and flexible LCS class, ensuring Navy sailors stay ahead of ready for any mission, anywhere.” – Steve Allen, Lockheed Martin Vice President, Small Combatants and Ship Systems
"I am honored and thrilled to be a part of the christening and launch of the USS Cleveland. I am proud of the tremendous role that Cleveland has played in our nation’s security. I know the USS Cleveland will carry that tradition forward as she and her crew enter the fleet, providing capability and deterrence around the world. It’s a privilege to play a small role as the Sponsor during the life of this great ship.” –Mrs. Robyn Modly, Ship Sponsor of the future USS Cleveland (LCS 31)
Unique among combat ships, LCS is designed to complete close-to-shore missions and is a growing and relevant part of the Navy’s fleet.
- It is flexible — with 40 percent of the hull easily reconfigurable, LCS can be modified to integrate capabilities including over-the-horizon missiles, advanced electronic warfare systems (SEWIP) and decoys (Nulka), and in future, vertical launching systems or laser weapon systems.
- It is fast — capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots.
- It is automated — with the most efficient staffing of any combat ship.
- It is lethal — standard equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute.
Lockheed Martin is in full-rate production and has delivered 13 ships to the U.S. Navy. There are three ships in various stages of production.
Click here to view additional photos courtesy of Lockheed Martin and here for a B-roll package to include ceremony highlights (video password: Cleveland).
Background
The christening and launch is a major milestone in the life of the future USS Cleveland (LCS 31) and marks a significant event in the history of the nation’s 31st Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 31). LCS 31 is named for Cleveland, Ohio and its citizens. It is the fourth ship to bear the name. Next, LCS 31 will undergo rigorous testing at sea before delivery to the U.S. Navy.
About the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)
The Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship is a resilient, flexible warship, designed from the keel up to affordably take on new capabilities including advanced sensors, missiles and cutting-edge cyber systems. Its speed, strength and versatility make it a critical tool to help sailors achieve their missions. For more information, please visit www.lockheedmartin.com/lcs.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.
About Fincantieri Marine Group
Fincantieri operates in the United States through its subsidiary Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG). This company, which serves commercial and government customers in the U.S., including the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, has three shipyards (Fincantieri Marinette Marine, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding and Fincantieri ACE Marine) located in the Great Lakes. www.fincantierimarinegroup.com
About Gibbs & Cox
Gibbs & Cox, the nation’s leading independent maritime solutions firm specializing in naval architecture, marine engineering and design, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. The company, founded in 1929, has provided designs for nearly 80 percent of the current U.S. Navy surface combatant fleet; approaching 7,000 naval and commercial ships have been built to Gibbs & Cox designs.