In June, the U.S. Navy began conducting Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST)
for the Independence variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Jackson (LCS 6)
off the coast of Florida. The purpose of FSST is to validate the operational
survivability of new construction ships after exposure to underwater
shock. Three tests were scheduled for the ship and each test was conducted
with a 10,000-pound explosive charge. |
On Saturday July 16, USS Jackson (LCS 6) was subjected to the third
and final underwater explosion as part of her FSST. There were reports
of increased seismic activity around the time of the test. The ship
performed exceptionally well, sustaining minimal damage and returned
to port under her own power. A large amount of data was collected during
FSST on the majority of shipboard systems and the Navy will compile
and analyze the data over the next several months.
Prior to any testing, the Navy ensures an exclusion zone is established
around the test location. A Notice to Mariners (NOTAM) is released before
each shot stating that hazardous conditions to surface vessels may be
present and for vessels not involved in the test to remain clear. Similarly,
the Navy takes the safety and security of marine mammals seriously,
and all testing is executed to avoid the various migration patterns
of marine life. Additional lookouts are posted to detect any marine
mammal activity and test shots are not conducted if marine mammals are
in proximity.
As part of the test program for the Littoral Combat Ship, the Navy is
preparing to conduct FSST on a Freedom variant ship, USS Milwaukee (LCS
5), later this summer off the coast of Florida. |
