The US Navy put into service USS Billings, America’s eight Freedom-variant Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The ship is designed to conduct close-to-shore missions. The ship will be homeported in Mayport, Florida.
The ship is able to surpass the 40 knots, and is equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute.40% of the hull easily reconfigurable and can be fitted with Longbow Hellfire Missiles, 30mm guns, and manned and unmanned vehicles.
The USS Billings and the crew onboard will play a crucial role in America’s maritime security and freedom, according to Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer.
She stands as proof of what teamwork – from civilian to contractor to military – can accomplish. This fast, agile platform will deliver her motto, ‘Big Sky Over Troubled Waters,’ worldwide thanks to their efforts.
LCS 15’s Commanding Officer, Commander Nathan Rowan added that this kind of vessels is easy-to-command and maneuverable, being a great weapon for the US Navy.
The ship, built by the Lockheed Martin, is designed to complete close-to-shore missions. She is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. The vessels name, Billings, was given in honour of the largest city in Montana. The USS Billings is the first ship of this name in naval service.
In general, the US Navy is much focused on protecting its territorial waters and boosting safety in shipping. Therefore, they recently launched the ‘real-life rocket man‘, a jet-powered body suit over the water for the first time, joining the Royal Marines.
