The US Navy has commissioned the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Marinette, which will be armed with Honeywell Mk 50 torpedoes and RIM-116 RAM anti-aircraft missiles

The U.S. Navy added a new littoral combat ship over the weekend. A ceremony was held in Michigan to mark the commissioning of USS Marinette (LCS 25).

Here's What We Know

The U.S. Navy has two variants of littoral combat ships in service, Independence and Freedom. USS Marinette (LCS 25) is the 13th member of the Freedom class and the 25th littoral combat ship.

The new ship is 118 metres long, 17.6 metres wide and has a displacement of 3,500 tonnes. USS Marinette (LCS 25) is equipped with a combined propulsion system that allows it to reach speeds of more than 70 kilometres per hour. It can make transits with a range of more than 8,300 kilometres.

USS Marinette (LCS 25) has an important feature. The manufacturer has corrected a design flaw in the mechanism that connects diesel engines with powerful gas turbines.

The littoral combat ship has launchers for RIM-116 RAM anti-aircraft missiles, 324mm Honeywell Mk 50 torpedoes, four 12.7mm machine guns and a 57mm Mk 110 artillery piece. The USS Marinette (LCS 25) can also be armed with tactical missiles. There is room on board for two MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters and an MQ-8 Fire Scout drone.

The missions of USS Marinette (LCS 25) are patrol, fleet defence, low-noise submarine warfare, reconnaissance and support of special operations forces. The ship's home is Naval Base Mayport, Florida.

Source: US Navy