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Uss Independence News

24 Jul 2023

The Need for [U.S. Navy Shipbuilding] Speed

The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) steams in the Adriatic Sea, June 23, 2023.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)

The Navy wants, and needs, more ships; but it can’t build them fast enough.While the U.S. Navy aims to achieve a 355-ship fleet, it is decommissioning older (and some not so old) ships at about the same rate it's adding new ones.A Congressional Research Service report stated that, as of April 17, 2023, the Navy included 296 battle force ships. "The Navy projects that under its FY2024 budget submission, the Navy would include 293 battle force ships at the end of FY2024 and 291 battle force ships at the end of FY2028."But there is progress…

29 Sep 2020

USS Ticonderoga (CG 47) to be Recycled in Texas

A contract to recycle an out-of-service U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser has been awarded to International Shipbreaking Limited, LLC., one of the world’s largest green ship recycling companies.The USS Ticonderoga (CG 47), decommissioned in 2004, concluded her final voyage last week to the Port of Brownsville, Texas, where full dismantling will commence with 98% of all removed materials being recycled. The recycling work, which requires complete demilitarization of the entire ship…

22 Nov 2017

Iconic USS Ranger Dismantled

(Photo: EMR)

A two-year project to dismantle and recycle the decommissioned U.S. Navy vessel USS Ranger (CV-61) has recently concluded. Ordered in 1954 and commissioned in 1957, the Ranger was the first U.S. carrier vessel built as an angled-deck ship from inception. She served in the Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, and earned 13 battle stars for her service in the Vietnam War. During her 37 years of service, she also appeared in blockbuster films such as Top Gun and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.

06 Jul 2017

USS Gabrielle Giffords Completes Maiden Voyage

The newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) arrived in San Diego July 5, after successfully completing her maiden voyage from Mobile, Alabama. Following construction and acceptance trials earlier this year at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Giffords sailed to Galveston, Texas, where she was commissioned June 10. "Our Sailors are honored to represent the ship namesake, its homeport in San Diego and the U.S. Navy," said Cmdr. Keith Woodley, Giffords' commanding officer. During her sail around transit from Mobile, Giffords Sailors conducted Combat Ship Systems Qualification Trials (CSSQT) events, various crew certification training events and regularly scheduled equipment and systems checks and transited through the Panama Canal.

14 Jun 2017

US Navy: Bigger is Better, but at What Cost?

U.S. Navy forces and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force routinely train together to improve interoperability and readiness to provide stability and security for the Indo-Asia Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Z.A. Landers)

The U.S. Navy has a balanced fleet, but it wants to grow bigger and better. Will the budget allow both? Maritime Reporter's March 2017 cover story on the U.S. Navy was all about the numbers. There exists several plans to grow the fleet beyond the current number of 308 ships, the Mitre recommendation of 414 ships, the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment 340-ship proposal, and the Navy’s decision to grow the fleet to 355 ships, and the Trump administration’s 350. With so many numbers being bandied about, there are even more suggestions on how to get there.

22 May 2017

Future USS Omaha Passes Acceptance Trials

File photo: USS Tulsa (LCS 16) is heading back to Austal USA after launching from the drydock at BAE Ship Systems in March 2016. She's passing Austal's vessel completion yard where USNS Yuma (EPF 8), USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) and future USS Omaha (LCS 12) are docked. (Photo: Austal USA)

The future USS Omaha (LCS 12) has completed its final significant milestone before delivery to the U.S. Navy, having passed its acceptance trials May 12 after completing a series of graded in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). During the trial, the Navy demonstrated the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling and auxiliary systems via a series of comprehensive tests. While underway, Omaha performed launch and recovery operations of the 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat…

03 Apr 2017

USS Independence on Time & on Course

USS Independence tow position (Photo: EMR Group)

The decommissioned aircraft carrier, USS Independence has just passed by Costa Rica on its final mission, from Bremerton and onward to Brownsville, Texas. This is the first leg of a long 16,000 mile journey that will take the 60,000-ton super carrier around the tip of South America, transiting the Strait of Magellan and eventually into EMR Group’s International Shipbreaking Ltd. yard in Brownsville, Texas. USS Independence left on her final journey on Saturday, March 11th from the Kitsap Naval Base in Bremerton, Washington to Brownsville, Texas and is expected to take just under three months.

16 Feb 2017

Austal Celebrates Christening Of Future USS Tulsa

Ship’s sponsor, Mrs Kathy Taylor, former Mayor and current Chief of Economic Development for the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was joined by Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle and officers from the US Navy for the christening of the future USS Tulsa at Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard on 11 February 2017. (Photo: Austal)

Austal Limited has announced that Austal USA has hosted the christening of the future USS Tulsa, the 8th Independence variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) designed and constructed for the United States Navy (USN). Former Mayor of Tulsa and current Chief of Economic Development for the Oklahoma city, Mrs Kathy Taylor formally christened USS Tulsa at a formal ceremony held at Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard. In addition to the USS Independence (LCS 2) and Coronado (LCS 4), Austal USA is delivering 11 Independence variant LCS to the USN, under a contract valued at approximately US$4 billion.

28 Dec 2016

Navy Accepts Delivery of USS Gabrielle Giffords

The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) during a ceremony, Dec. 23. Gabrielle Giffords is the ninth littoral combat ship (LCS) to be delivered to the Navy and the fifth of the Independence variant to join the fleet. The Independence variant is noted for its unique trimaran hull, ability to operate at high speeds and large flight deck size. "We are pleased to receive the future USS Gabrielle Giffords into the LCS class," said Capt. Harrison, commander, LCS Squadron (COMLCSRON) 1. COMLCSRON-1 supports the operational commanders with warships ready for tasking by manning, training, equipping and maintaining all littoral combat ships in the fleet. Delivery marks the official transfer of LCS 10 from the shipbuilder, an Austal USA-led team, to the Navy.

23 Nov 2016

USS Gabrielle Giffords Completes Acceptance Trials

Future Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) successfully completed its acceptance trials Nov. 18. The trials consisted of a series of in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy. During the trials, the Navy conducted comprehensive tests of the LCS intended to demonstrate the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling, and auxiliary systems. "Another thorough trial by INSURV, and another ship with improved scores and at a lower cost than her predecessor," said LCS Program Manager Capt. Tom Anderson.

06 Sep 2016

This Day In Naval History: September 6

Poster courtesy of Lockheed Martin

1861 - USS Tyler and USS Lexington, support Gen. Ulysses S. Grants Army operations against strategic Paducah and Smithland, Ky. The ships mobile firepower assists in the capture of the cities, helping to preserve Kentucky in the Union. 1918 - In the first use of major-caliber naval guns in a land offensive, a U.S. naval railway battery of five, 14-inch guns begin long-range bombardment of German forces near Soissons, France. 1930 - USS Grebe (AM 43) arrives at Santo Domingo with supplies and medicines for victims of a hurricane three days prior.

01 Apr 2016

USN Awards Austal Contract for LCS 26

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords waves to a crowd in front of the littoral combat ship, USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10). (Photo courtesy Austal USA/Released)

The U.S. Navy has modified Austal USA’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) block-buy contract to include an eleventh ship, LCS 26, the Navy announced today. LCS 26 will be the 13th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship built by Austal. “The Austal LCS team has demonstrated exceptional work in providing an affordable sea frame that is not only capable of meeting the Navy’s needs of today but extremely capable of meeting future requirements,” Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said.

20 Mar 2016

Austal Bags Further $14 mln USN's LCS Contract

Austal USA was awarded a $14 million Littoral Combat Ship contract modification by the U.S. Navy to conduct special studies and analyses, the Navy announced this week. This is the second $14 million LCS modification contract for Austal USA this month. This award is an option exercised by the Navy to modify the original LCS 10-ship block-buy contract to allow for continued review of the program. “Our workforce is strong, the production line is hot, and our LCS program has a great deal of momentum right now,” said Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle. Austal will provide engineering and design services to reduce acquisition and lifecycle costs for the Independence-variant LCS. The company was awarded $14.656 million in LCS modifications, Mar.

12 Jan 2016

Keel-laying Ceremony for USS Tulsa (LCS 16)

Austal hosted a keel-laying ceremony for the future USS Tulsa (LCS 16) here today, marking the first significant milestone in the ship’s construction. This ship is the sixth Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) built at Austal under the 10-ship, $3.5 billion block buy contract awarded to Austal in 2010. Ship sponsor Kathy Taylor, former Tulsa mayor and CEO of ImpactTulsa, authenticated the keel by welding her initials onto an aluminum plate that will be placed in the hull of the ship. “It amazes me how fast this ship is coming together.” Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said. Austal’s LCS program delivered USS Independence (LCS 2) in 2009, USS Coronado (LCS 4) in 2013, and USS Jackson (LCS 6) in 2015. Six additional LCS are under construction at the Mobile, Ala. shipyard.

29 Jun 2015

Austal Starts Next US Littoral Combat Ship

Photo: Austal

Austal and the U.S. Navy held a keel-laying ceremony today for the future USS Manchester (LCS 14), marking the first significant milestone in its construction. This ship is the fifth Independence variant littoral combat ship (LCS) built at Austal under the 10-ship, $3.5 billion block buy contract awarded to Austal in 2010. “It has been said that building a high-tech Littoral Combat Ship is more akin to making a spacecraft than a traditional warship,”  said Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), sponsor of the Manchester. “These ships and their technology are impressive.

17 Apr 2015

'Amazingly Intact' WWII-era Aircraft Carrier Surveyed

Features on a photo of USS Independence CVL 22 are captured in a 3D low-resolution sonar image of the shipwreck in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The Coda Octopus Echoscope 3D sonar, integrated on the Boeing AUV Echo Ranger, imaged the shipwreck during the first maritime archaeological survey. The sonar image with oranges color tones (lower) shows an outline of a possible airplane in the forward aircraft elevator hatch opening. (Credit: NOAA, Boeing, and Coda Octopus)

NOAA, working with private industry partners and the U.S. Navy, has confirmed the location and condition of the USS Independence, the lead ship of its class of light aircraft carriers that were critical during the American naval offensive in the Pacific during World War II. Resting in 2,600 feet of water off California's Farallon Islands, the carrier is "amazingly intact," said NOAA scientists, with its hull and flight deck clearly visible, and what appears to be a plane in the carrier's hangar bay.

21 Aug 2014

USS Independence Successfully Completes Special Trials

USS Independence (LCS 2) successfully completed Special Trials (ST), a series of at-sea tests on Aug. 2, following the ship's participation in the multinational Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises that took place throughout the month of July. Independence, funded as a research development test and evaluation ship, conducted an ST instead of the usual final Contract Trial (FCT). Traditionally funded ships have a specific time frame for when FCT must take place, to identify issues or deficiencies to be corrected before the vessel is officially turned over to the U.S. Navy. Independence was commissioned in January 2010, and has already undergone several maintenance availabilities to correct issues uncovered in testing and operation.

19 Jun 2014

US Navy Build Programs Face Budget Pressure

(U.S. Navy photo by Shelby F. W. West/Released)

Ship construction programs move ahead, but it’s not smooth sailing. Navies and Coast Guards everywhere face budgetary pressure, even in the U.S. which has the largest Navy in the world. The balance between desire for capacity and capability and pressure for affordability has never been more acute with the precarious budgetary issues presented by declining defense budgets, sequestration, continuing resolutions and government shutdowns. Even so, there are ongoing major construction efforts to include large nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines…

09 Jun 2014

USS Coronado Completes Final Contract Trials

USS Coronado (LCS 4). U.S. Navy photo by Keith DeVinney

USS Coronado (LCS 4) successfully completed final contract trials (FCT) June 6. The trial, administered by the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey, is part of a series of post-delivery test and trial events through which the ship and its major systems are exercised. The four-day FCT began with pre-underway and material condition checks, followed by at-sea demonstrations. Trial highlights included combat systems air and surface detect-to-engage scenarios, 57mm gun firing exercises…

14 May 2014

GE Gas Turbines Power LCS USS Coronado

Photo: GE Marine

Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) was commissioned by the United States Navy on April 5 at its home port of San Diego, California. GE Marine reported that this Independence-variant LCS is powered by two GE LM2500 marine gas turbines. Named for the California city of Coronado, LCS 4 is the third Navy ship to bear the name of the "Crown City." The first USS Coronado (PF 38), a patrol frigate, served as a convoy escort during World War II. The second USS Coronado (AGF 11)…

11 Mar 2014

Navy Awards Fiscal 2014 LCS Contracts

LCS photo credit USN

Contract modifications have been issued to Lockheed Martin Corporation and Austal USA under their respective Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) block buy contracts to add funding for construction of two fiscal year 2014 Littoral Combat Ships each, informs the Program Executive Office, Littoral Combat Ships. These are the seventh and eighth ships fully funded for each contractor under its previously-awarded, fixed-price incentive "block buy" contract for the design and construction of up to ten LCS Flight 0+ ships.

04 Dec 2013

Today in U.S. Naval History: December 4

USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). (USN Photo DN-ST-89-01287 by Photographer’s Mate 2d Class William Lipski)

Today in U.S. 1918 - President Woodrow Wilson sails in USS George Washington for Paris Peace Conference. 1943 - Aircraft from USS Lexington (CV-16) and USS Independence (CVL-22) attack Kwajalein Atoll, sinking four Japanese ships and damaging five others, while only three U.S. ships suffered damage. 1944 - USS Flasher (SS-249) sinks Japanese destroyer Kishinami and damages a merchant ship in South China Sea. Flasher is only U.S. submarine to sink over 100,000 tons of enemy shipping in World War II. 1965 - Launch of Gemini seven piloted by CDR James A. Lovell, USN.

02 Oct 2013

Today in U.S. Naval History: October 1

USS Independence (CV-62). Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

Today in U.S. 1800 - U.S. Schooner Experiment captures French Schooner Diana. 1844 - Naval Observatory headed by Lt. Matthew Fontaine Maury occupies first permanent quarters. 1874 - Supply Corps purser, Lt. J. Q. Barton, given leave to enter service of new Japanese Navy to organize a Pay Department and instruct Japanese about accounts. He served until October 1, 1877 when he again became a purser in the U.S. Navy. In 1878, the Emperor of Japan conferred on him the Fourth Class of Rising Sun for his service.

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