Austal USA has delivered Littoral Combat Ship 32, destined to be the USS Santa Barbara, to the U.S. Navy.
This is the 16th LCS delivered by the Mobile-based shipbuilder, which has three more of the ship in progress. The LCS is designed to operate near shore.
Documents were signed on board the ship, as it completed its sea trials.
“Delivering the future USS Santa Barbara is a proud moment for Austal USA shipbuilders who worked extensively with Navy teammates and suppliers from across the nation to produce a capability that will serve our country for years to come,” said Rusty Murdaugh, president of Austal USA. “The fact that we’re delivering that capability on-time and on-schedule demonstrates our commitment to the warfighter and our nation’s defense.”
In addition to the continuing LCS work, Austal is at work on Expeditionary Fast Transport ships, a Navy Towing Salvage and Rescue Ship and a floating dry dock for the Navy. The firm was recently awarded a contract for up to 11 offshore patrol cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Austal has built aluminum-hulled ships since its inception. Earlier this year it opened a companion steel line.
