Austal launches Independence-class LCS USS Augusta for US Navy.

According to a PR published by Austal on May 23, 2022, the company successfully launched the 17th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the future USS Augusta (LCS 34).
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Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Augusta (Picture source: Austal)

Assisted by tugs, the ship was escorted out of Austal USA’s floating dry dock and secured pier side on the waterfront for machinery commissioning and system activation in preparation for sea trials later this year.

The launch of Augusta was a multi-step process that involved lifting the 2,500-metric-ton ship almost three feet in the air, moving it approximately 400 feet onto a moored deck barge adjacent to the assembly bay – using transporters - then transferring the LCS from the deck barge to a floating dry dock. The floating dry dock was submerged with LCS 34 entering the water for the first time.

The LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

With capabilities focused on defeating global challenges in the littorals, these surface combatants are designed to provide joint force access in the littorals. LCS can operate independently or in high-threat environments as part of a networked battle force that includes multi-mission surface combatants.

The ships are 127.4 m (418 ft) long, with a beam of 31.6 m (104 ft), and a draft of 13 ft (3.96 m). Their displacement is rated at 2,377 tons light, 3,228 tons full, and 851 tons deadweight.