The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Sioux City on Saturday, the nation's sixth Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship at the United States Naval Academy. The ship was built by Lockheed Martin and is unique due to its ability to complete close-to-shore missions. Some of the specs for the Sioux City include:
- The ability to reach speeds in excess of 40 knots.
- Standard equipment includes Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun capable of firing 220 rounds per minute.
- 40 percent of the hull can be reconfigured to integrate capabilities like the Longbow Hellfire Missiles, 30mm guns, and manned and unmanned vehicles.
Freedom-variant LCS ships are designed to integrate modular weapons to deliver critical warfighting capability in mine counter measures, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.
There are seven ships in various stages of production and test at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, where the Freedom-variant LCS is built. The next Freedom-variant in the class is LCS 13, the future USS Wichita, slated for commissioning in Mayport, Florida, in January. LCS 19 is scheduled for christening on Dec. 15.