MILWAUKEE, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy successfully launched the USS Freedom, the first Littoral Combat Ship, during a commissioning ceremony in Milwaukee.
The Lockheed Martin-designed USS Freedom was delivered to the Navy in September after completing its remaining sea trials in August. Saturday the Navy held a ceremony in Milwaukee to commission the USS Freedom into service.
The contract for the USS Freedom was awarded to Lockheed Martin in 2004. The 378-foot vessel is part of the Navy's new Littoral Combat Ship program designed to combat coastal threats.
"This is truly an exciting time for the U.S. Navy and the entire Littoral Combat Ship program team as the nation's first Littoral Combat Ship is commissioned," Dan Schultz, Lockheed Martin integrated defense technologies vice president and general manager, said in a statement.
"I am extremely proud of all the men and women who worked tirelessly to bring USS Freedom to the fleet."
The USS Freedom will be based in San Diego.
