According to information published by the US DoD on May 12, 2023, the Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Augusta (LCS 34) at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama.
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Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Augusta. (Picture source: US DoD)
In March, Augusta successfully underwent acceptance trials, marking the final significant step before the ship is handed over to the Navy. It is slated for commissioning in autumn of 2023, after which it will be stationed in San Diego, California.
The Augusta is the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) to be delivered in the Fiscal Year 2023, following the Freedom-variant USS Marinette (LCS 25) in the previous month, February. Two more Independence-variant LCSs are currently in the works at Austal USA, namely the recently launched Kingsville (LCS 36) and Pierre (LCS 38).
The first vessel to carry the name Augusta, in honor of Maine's capital, was the Ex-USS Augusta (SSN 710). This Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine served actively for 24 years before being decommissioned on February 11, 2009.
The LCS is a swift, agile, mission-centric ship built to operate in near-shore settings, while also being able to undertake open-ocean assignments and outmatch 21st-century coastal threats like mines and smaller, aggressive vessels. Its capabilities extend to supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
USS Augusta has a displacement of 2,307 metric tons when light, 3,104 metric tons when fully loaded, and a deadweight of 797 metric tons. It measures 127.4 meters (418 feet) in length and has a beam of 31.6 meters (104 feet). The draft of the ship is 14 feet (4.27 meters).
For propulsion, the ship is equipped with two gas turbines, two diesel engines, and four waterjets. She also features a retractable Azimuth thruster and four diesel generators.
The ship has an impressive speed capability, with a speed of 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph) or more. She can reach a sprint speed of 47 knots (54 mph; 87 km/h). In terms of range, she can travel up to 4,300 nautical miles (8,000 km; 4,900 mi) at a speed of 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph) or more.
With a capacity of 210 tonnes, the ship can carry a substantial amount of cargo. Her crew consists of 40 core members, including 8 officers and 32 enlisted personnel. Additionally, she can accommodate up to 35 mission crew members.
The ship is equipped with advanced sensor and processing systems, including the Sea Giraffe 3D Surface/Air RADAR, Bridgemaster-E Navigational RADAR, and an AN/KAX-2 EO/IR sensor for Gun Fire Control (GFC). She also features electronic warfare capabilities and decoys, such as the EDO ES-3601 ESM system and four SRBOC rapid bloom chaff launchers.
In terms of armament, the ship is armed with a BAE Systems Mk 110 57 mm gun, four .50 cal (12.7 mm) guns (two aft and two forward), and an Evolved SeaRAM 11-cell missile launcher. She also has the capability to carry mission modules for specialized tasks or requirements.
The ship is capable of carrying two MH-60R/S Seahawks helicopters and an MQ-8 Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle for airborne operations.
