Lockheed Martin team constructing new combat ship

The Lockheed Martin team cut steel for the U.S.'s first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) early this month, marking the start of fabrication at Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis. The team will deliver the first LCS to the U.S. Navy in late 2006.

The semi-planing steel monohull ship is designed for agility and high-speed maneuverability to support launch and recovery operations, mission execution, and crew comfort.

The Lockheed Martin-led team includes naval architect Gibbs & Cox, shipbuilders Marinette Marine, a subsidiary of The Manitowoc Co. Inc., and Bollinger Shipyards.