Zitat:US Navy christens its final Freedom-class LCS

Following the technical issues that have led many Freedom vessels to be decommissioned early in their intended lifetimes, the US Navy celebrates its last vessel. [...]

The US Navy (USN) has christened its 16th and final Freedom-class littoral combat ship (LCS), the USS Cleveland (LCS 31), on 15 April 2023 at the Wisconsin-based Fincantieri Marinette Marine Shipyard. [...] However, the Freedom-class fleet experienced were soon deemed “operationally unsuitable due to low reliability and availability caused by propulsion failures” according to the office of the US Director, Operational Test & Evaluation in its FY2023 report. This has led to reduced lifetimes for some Freedom vessels, as many have already been decommissioned.

Zitat:U.S. Navy Accepts Delivery of Final Freedom-Variant Littoral Combat Ship, USS Cleveland (LCS 31)

Cleveland is the 16th and final ship of its class, marking the completion of the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) construction phases – a sustained acquisition effort involving Navy personnel, industry partners, and program management teams for over two decades.

“The delivery of USS Cleveland, our final Freedom-variant LCS, symbolizes the U.S. Navy’s unwavering vigilance and a steadfast commitment to protecting national interest and ensuring global stability,” said Jay Iungerich, acting deputy program manager of the LCS Program Office (PMS 501). Following commissioning in Cleveland, Ohio in early 2026, LCS 31 will be homeported in Mayport, Florida. She will support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence in key operational theaters.