US Navy commissions Freedom variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Marinette.

According to information published by the US DoD on September 15, 2023, the Navy commissioned its latest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, the USS Marinette (LCS 25).
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Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Marinette. (Picture source: US DoD)

The USS Marinette (LCS 25), now the 13th of the Freedom-variant and the 25th ship in its overall class, carries the honor of being the premier naval warship named after Marinette, Michigan. It's worth noting that while it is the first warship, it is the third naval vessel overall to bear the Marinette moniker.

The LCS fleet comprises two distinct variants: the Freedom, which is orchestrated by Lockheed Martin in Marinette, Wisconsin, and the Independence, led by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama.

These ships are adeptly engineered to function in both near-shore and vast oceanic environments, proving instrumental against the coastal challenges of the 21st century.

Their design and capabilities allow for seamless integration with diverse joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams, fulfilling a range of operations including maritime security, sea control, and global deterrence.

Technical data

This ship is significant in terms of its measurements, with a length of 378 feet (115 meters), a beam of 57.4 feet (17.5 meters), and a draft of 12.8 feet (3.9 meters). Furthermore, her full-load displacement is around 3,500 metric tons, which is roughly equivalent to 3,900 short tons.

The vessel derives her electrical power from four Isotta Fraschini V1708 diesel engines, each linked to Hitzinger generator units, providing 800 kW each. When it comes to propulsion, the ship is equipped with two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines, jointly producing 72 MW.

These are complemented by two Colt-Pielstick diesel engines, each outputting 6.8 MW. With four Rolls-Royce/Kamewa waterjets, the ship can achieve a speed of up to 47 knots in sea state 3.

The ship's range is notable, with the ability to cover 3,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 18 knots. This allows for an endurance of 21 days, or 336 hours.

For specific operations, the vessel is capable of carrying an 11-meter RHIB and 12-meter high-speed boats. Her complement includes a core crew of 50, which can expand to 65 with the inclusion of the mission crew.

USS Marinette is fitted with a BAE Systems Mk 110 57 mm gun, a Mk 49 launcher with RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Surface-to-Air Missiles, four .50 in machine guns, two 30 mm Mk44 Bushmaster II guns, and a Lockheed Martin 150 kW High Energy Laser, among other weapons.