Third LCS completes acceptance trials

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MARINETTE, Wis., May 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy will receive its third littoral combat ship this summer following the vessel's successful completion of acceptance trials.

The trials, conducted in port and while underway on Lake Michigan, were carried out for four days this month by a Lockheed Martin industry team and representatives of the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey.

"(USS) Fort Worth performed extremely well during its trials," said U.S. Navy LCS Program Manager Capt. John Neagley. "The ship's level of completion, coupled with Marinette Marine's excellent craftsmanship, resulted in relatively few material deficiencies."

Testing included full-power run and surface and air detect-to-engage combat management system, propulsion plant, ship handling and auxiliary systems. Aviation support, small boat launchings and recoveries were also performed.

The vessel is the second LCS built by the Lockheed-led team, includes shipbuilder Marinette Marine Corp. and naval architect Gibbs and Cox. Also building the LCS is Austral.

The LCS was specifically designed for missions in shallower, coastal waters. The Navy plans to acquire 55 of the ships.