Technology of the USS Independence

World Today

Technology of the U.S.S. Independence

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 CharacteristicsPlatform Specifications

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