MOBILE, Alabama — The future USS Montgomery (LCS 8) successfully concluded its acceptance trials after completing a series of graded in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) May 6.
Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy, which is planned for later this spring.
"Ship after ship, we continue to see improved performance at lower cost." said LCS program manager Capt. Tom Anderson. "Montgomery's strong performance during acceptance trials is a testament to the Navy/Industry team that has labored to incorporate lessons learned and deliver this exceptional and affordable ship."
During the four-day trials, the Navy conducted comprehensive tests intended to demonstrate the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling, and auxiliary systems. While underway, the ship successfully performed launch and recovery operations of the 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), a four-hour full power run, surface and air self-defense detect-to-engage exercises, and demonstrated the ship's maneuverability performing tight turns and accomplishing speeds in excess of 40 knots.
Following delivery and commissioning later this year in Mobile, Alabama, Montgomery will be homeported in San Diego with sister ships USS Freedom (LCS 1), USS Independence (LCS 2), USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) and USS Jackson (LCS 6).
Program Executive Office Littoral Combat Ships (PEO LCS) is responsible for delivering and sustaining the fleet's littoral mission capabilities. Consistent delivery of high-quality warfighting assets, while balancing affordability and capability, is key to supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy.