The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship, the USS Savannah (LCS 28), on February 5, 2022, in Brunswick, Georgia. Remarks were provided by the Honorable Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, U.S. Representative for Georgia’s First District; the Honorable Meredith Berger, Performer in the Duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy; Vice Adm. Carl Chebi, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command; the Honorable Van Johnson, Mayor of Savannah; and Larry Ryder, Vice President of Business Development and External Affairs, Austal USA. The ship’s sponsor is Mrs. DiAnne Davisson Isakson, wife of the late Honorable Johnny Isakson, former Senator from Georgia. USS Savannah will homeport at Naval Base San Diego, California.
“The city of Savannah, Georgia, has played an important role in our nation’s naval history,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “I have no doubt the sailors of USS Savannah (LCS 28) will carry on the fighting spirit of this city and will play an important role in the defense of our nation and maritime freedom.”
“The USS Savannah is poised to represent its motto across the globe, not just for self but for others. Today, as we commission her as an independent variable in this world, I see the ship and her crew carrying on the legacy of this city,” said Naval Air Systems Command Vice Adm. Carl Chebi.
Midshipmen from the Savannah State University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Color Guard participated in the commissioning ceremony for the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Savannah (LCS 28). Midshipmen from the Savannah State University NROTC Color Guard participated in the commissioning ceremony for the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Savannah (LCS 28). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James S. Hong)
Austal USA delivered its 14th Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) to the U.S. Navy from its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. Achieving significant gains in the efficiency of production, the future USS Savannah (LCS 28) was completed by Austal USA in just under three years, a full twelve months earlier than previous ships delivered under the same program. It is designed to defeat “anti-access” threats, such as mines, quiet diesel submarines, fast surface craft, and fast surface craft. The 127-meter high-speed trimaran features new technology to support current and future mission capabilities for the U.S. Navy. It is designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. The platform is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
Sailors assigned to Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Savannah (LCS 28) man the rails during the ship’s commissioning ceremony.
The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom and the Independence, conceived and built by two industry teams. Lockheed Martin leads the Freedom variant, or odd-numbered hulls, while the Independence variant, or even-numbered hulls, is led by Austal USA. Austal USA leads the Independence-variant team in Mobile, Alabama, for LCS 2 and the subsequent odd-numbered hulls. Lockheed Martin leads the Freedom-variant team in Marinette, Wisconsin. Austal USA leads the Independence-variant team in Mobile, Alabama, for LCS 2 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls. Savannah is the 14th Independence-variant LCS and the sixth to bear the name. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments, capable of tackling current and future threats. The platform is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
In conclusion, the commissioning of the USS Savannah marks a significant milestone in the history of the U.S. Navy and the city of Savannah. This Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship represents the dedication, commitment, and innovation of the U.S. Navy and its industry partners, ensuring the safety and security of our maritime interests in the 21st century.
