The United States Navy has officially commissioned its 14th Freedom-class littoral combat ship, USS Nantucket (LCS 27), in a ceremony held in Boston, Massachusetts. This momentous occasion marks a significant step in the Navy’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet, which is part of the broader objective set by the Department of Defense.
The USS Nantucket underwent acceptance trials in 2022, with its formal delivery taking place in July 2024. The construction of the vessel, which began in 2017, was a collaborative effort between Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine. This ship carries a legacy, being the third naval vessel to bear the name Nantucket. The previous incarnations include a coastal monitor from the Civil War era and a gunboat from the early 1910s, the latter of which was repurposed for maritime training.
During the commissioning ceremony, the USS Nantucket was displayed docked near the historic USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the United States Navy. USS Nantucket is now set to sail to her homeport at Naval Station Mayport in Florida. Commander Kari Yakubisin, who will lead USS Nantucket, emphasized the continuity of the Navy’s mission over the centuries, stating, “Our mission on Nantucket is the same as the Constitution was in 1812. While technology has changed over the last 200 years, the mission of the United States Navy remains the same: keep the sea lanes open for commerce, deter piracy, and promote peace around the world.”
The USS Nantucket is an impressive addition to the Navy’s fleet, measuring 378 feet (115 meters) in length and accommodating more than 100 sailors. The ship’s versatile deck is designed to carry an SH-60 Seahawk helicopter as well as two vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones, enhancing its operational capabilities.
The vessel boasts a robust defense system comprised of a steel and aluminum superstructure, electronic warfare and decoy systems, an automatic naval gun, machine guns, surface-to-air and anti-armor missiles, as well as a directed energy weapon system. In terms of speed and range, the Freedom-class ship is powered by four waterjets, twin Rolls-Royce gas turbines, and twin diesel engines, allowing it to achieve speeds exceeding 40 knots (46 miles or 74 kilometers per hour) and a range of 3,500 nautical miles (4,028 miles or 6,482 kilometers).
The commissioning of the USS Nantucket not only highlights the Navy’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities but also reflects on the proud tradition and enduring mission of the naval service throughout the ages.
