News: Strong LCS Team Assembled

Competition to build the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, one of the more exciting military construction programs in years due to its truly transformational nature, is starting to heat up, as companies angle to grab a slice of an estimated 70-vessel contract. Recently, four prominent companies announced a strategic partnership to win the LCS competition: Lockheed Martin, Gibbs & Cox, Bollinger Shipyards and Marinette Marine.

"In the process of creating this team, we carefully considered all of the innovative and unique requirements the Navy needs in this new ship," said Fred Moosally, president of Lockheed Martin's Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems. "Our team harnesses world class expertise in naval architecture, LCS-sized ship construction, systems engineering and program management to help the Navy fill its littoral warfare needs."

Lockheed Martin will be the prime contractor, with Gibbs & Cox, Bollinger Shipyards and Marinette Marine sharing significant roles as principal team members.

"The Littoral Combat Ship is a perfect fit for us," said Mike Ellis, executive vice president and COO for Bollinger Shipyards. "Our entire business is building and servicing mid-size vessels for our government and commercial markets. We have a strong track record of meeting our customers' needs in all areas from innovative design, quality workmanship and on time delivery."

Marinette Marine, with its shipyard facilities in Marinette, Wisc., is a leading shipbuilder serving the government, military and commercial customers throughout the maritime industry. Its shipbuilding portfolio includes U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers and buoy tenders, U.S. Navy mine countermeasure vessels and ocean tugs, as well as ferries, dredges and tugs. "Many of our programs involve complex maritime solutions, and we deliver great ships on time, on or below budget," said Dennis McCloskey, president of Manitowoc Marine. "We're excited to bring our expertise and record of results to the Navy's LCS program." Responsibilities for the two shipyards include production and cost engineering, production design and platform production.