Navy funds Lockheed for combat ship building

WASHINGTON, March 11 (UPI) -- Additional funding for construction of two Littoral Combat Ships has been given to Lockheed Martin by the U.S. Navy, the company reports.

The funding -- $689 million – is for the seventh and eighth ships in a 10-ship contract awarded in 2010, of which one will be named the Indianapolis (LCS 17). The other ship has yet to be given a name.

"Our industry team appreciates the U.S. Navy's confidence in the LCS program as we continue down the learning curve to make these ships more capable and more affordable," said Joe North, vice president of Littoral Ship Systems at Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training business. "We'll continue to build best-in-class, cost-effective ships for the Navy, supporting its need to defeat littoral threats and provide maritime access in critical waterways."

The first ship covered under the 2010 contract, the USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), was christened and launched in 2013. It is undergoing trials and will be delivered to the Navy next year. The future USS Detroit (LCS 7) will be christened and launched later this year.

Marinette Marine Corporation is building the ships in Marinette, Wis., with naval architect Gibbs & Cox of Arlington, Va., providing engineering support. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor.