Austal USA Holds Keel Laying Ceremony for LCU 1710

June 26, 2024

Mobile, Ala. shipbuilder Austal USA on Wednesday held a keel laying ceremony for LCU 1710, marking the official start of construction on the first of three Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessels for the U.S. Navy.

Austal USA was awarded a $91.5 million contract in September 2023 that includes three LCU and associated support efforts.

(Photo: Austal USA)
(Photo: Austal USA)

LCU are carried aboard amphibious assault ships to the objective area and used across a range of military operations to deliver vehicles, personnel and cargo from sea-to-shore and back. These connectors provide a heavy-lift capability and can carry about the same payload capacity as seven C-17 aircraft.

Austal USA’s steel line has been active since beginning operation two years ago. Steel shipbuilding production is ongoing for two Navy Towing, Salvage and Rescue Ships (T-ATS) and the Navy’s 90,800 square-foot Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium (AFDM).  Austal USA also holds multi-ship contracts for the Navy’s TAGOS-25 ocean surveillance ship and the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program which is scheduled to start construction this summer.

Related News

VLSFO Oil Spill Remnants Haunt Mauritius Mangroves Three Years Later Damen, Herman Sr. ink Multi-Purpose Vessel LOI America’s Ports: A New Awakening [?] American Legend Sets Sail on Inaugural Cruise 170 Arrested in Coal Ship Blockade