One of the U.S. ships participating in RIMPAC is the USS Independence (LCS 2). Nathan King reports on some of the technology the state of the art ship possesses.
The vessel cost over $700 million dollars to build and was over budget when commissioned in January of 2010.
The ship’s motto is:“Libertas Per Laborem Audentium” (Independence Through Bold Action) in gold letters on a dark blue scroll garnished Argent doubled gold with dark blue garnish.
This newest ship is the seventh of the United States Navy ships to be named “Independence.” The first was commissioned in 1776.
Technology of the U.S.S. Independence
One of the U.S. ships participating in RIMPAC is the USS Independence. Nathan King reports on some of the technology the state of the art ship possesses.More specifications from the U.S. Navy website:
Ship’s Characteristics
Key Data |
|
---|---|
Hull Service Life | 30 years |
Draft at Full Load Displacement | 14ft |
Sprint Speed in Sea State 3 | >40kt |
Range at Sprint Speed with Full Payload | 1,500nm |
Range at Economical Speed | 4,300nm |
Economical Speed | >20kt |
Crew Size | 40 core crew |
Accommodation for Core and Mission Crew | 75 |
Operational Availability | 95% |
Aviation Facilities | |
Embark and Hangar | 1 x MH-60R/S and VTUAVs |
Flight Deck | MH60R/S, UAVs, NTUAVs |
Aircraft Launch and Recovery | Up to Sea State 5 |
Watercraft Launch and Recovery | Sea State 4, in 15 minutes |
Watercraft Mission Packages | 11m RHIB, 40ft high-speed boats |
Time for Change of Mission Packages | One day |
Ship and Crew Provisions | 21 days (336 hours) |
Underway Replenishment | 180t including 105t mission packages and 75t mission package fuel |
COMMISSIONED: 16 JAN 2010
LOCATION: Mobile, AL
LOCATION: Mobile, AL