Austal USA announced Wednesday it has delivered the 18th littoral combat ship destined to be based in San Diego.
The future USS Kingsville is named after the Texas city that is home to Naval Air Station Kingsville.
“The delivery of this ship on time and on budget is representative of the pride and dedication on which Austal USA’s shipbuilders have built their stellar reputation,” said Michelle Kruger, acting president of the Alabama-based company.
“We are excited to provide Kingsville to the Navy to join her sister ships operating in the Pacific providing a critical capability to the fleet,” Kruger said.
The Independence-class, trimaran-hull warship is 418 feet long and armed with a main gun, anti-aircraft missiles and machine guns, as well as two helicopters.
The littoral ships are designed to operate in near-shore environments and can sprint at speeds over 50 mph.
Though the East Coast-based, single-hull version of the littoral ships has been plagued by problems, Austal’s trimaran vessels have proven successful.
Austal is currently building the last ship in the Independence class, the future USS Pierre. All of the warships are at Naval Base San Diego, where the company has a support facility.