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Navsource Online: Littoral Warship Photo Archive

Ship's patch courtesy
of Mike Smolinski

Freedom (LCS1)

Specifications - LCS Littoral Combat Ship (Flight 0, first generation):
Hull Type: Semi-planing Monohull
Displacement: 2135 tons (light), 2862 tons (full) Dead Weight: 727 tons
Length: 324 (wl), 378.9' (oa)
Beam: 43' (wl), 57' (extreme)
Draft: 13' (navigational), 14' (draft limit)
Propulsion: Two Rolls-Royce MT30 36MW gas turbines, FM Colt-Pielstick 16PA6B STC diesel engines driving four Rolls-Royce waterjets
Auxiliary Power: Four Isotta Fraschini Model V1708 ship service diesel generator sets
Speed: 45 kts
Armament: BAE Systems Land and Armaments Mk110 57mm naval gun system
Combat Management System: Lockheed Martin open architecture COMBATSS-21
Electronics: EADS TRS-3D C-band radar (air / surface surveillance, weapon assignment)
Decoy System: Soft-Kill Weapon System (SKWS) decoy launcher from Terma A/S of Denmark
Complement: 26

Freedom (LCS1) Building and Operational Data:

15 December 2004: Contract Awarded to Lockheed Martin Corp.

2 June 2005: Laid down at Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wis.

23 September 2006: Launched, sponsored by Mrs. Birgit Smith, widow of the late U.S. Army Sgt. Paul Ray Smith, a posthumous Medal of Honor winner of the Iraq War

8 November 2008: Commissioned at Veteran's Park, Milwaukee, Wis., Cdr. Donald D. Gabrielson, CO (Blue) and Cdr. Michael P. Doran, CO (Gold) in command.

15 December 2008: Arrived in Norfolk, Va. to undergo post-delivery tests and sea trials before transiting to her homeport in San Diego, Cal.

8 September 2009: Completed second industrial post-delivery availability (IPDA) at Colonna's Shipyard, Norfolk, Va.

22 - 25 September 2009: Successfully conducted the first Littoral Combat Ship Surface Warfare (SUW) Gun Mission Module structural test firing off the Virginia coast.

Note:
1.) The contract option awarded to Lockheed Martin Corporation is managed by Lockheed Martin's Maritime Systems and Sensors division in Moorestown, N.J. The Lockheed Martin team includes: Marinette Marine shipyard, Bollinger Shipyards, Gibbs and Cox naval architects, Izar of Spain and Blohm & Voss naval shipbuilders.

2.) The contract option awarded to General Dynamics is managed by Bath Iron Works at Bath ME. The major members of General Dynamics team are: Austal USA, based in Mobile AL; BAE Systems, Rockville MD; Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, Baltimore MD; CAE Marine Systems, Leesburg VA; Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Baltimore MD; General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington VT; General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton CT; General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Washington DC; and General Dynamics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

Size	Image Description	Contributed By And/Or Copyright
109k	27 May 2004: Washington, D.C. - The US Navy announced today that Lockheed Martin Corporation - Maritime Systems & Sensors Division, Moorestown, N.J., will be one of two defense contracting teams awarded contract options for final system design with options for detail design and construction of up to two Flight 0 Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). The LCS is an entirely new breed of U.S. Navy warship. A fast, agile, and networked surface combatant, LCS's modular, focused-mission design will provide Combatant Commanders the required warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility to ensure maritime dominance and access for the joint force. LCS will operate with focused-mission packages that deploy manned and unmanned vehicles to execute missions including, Special Operations Forces (SOF) support, high-speed transit, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP). (Artist concept provided to the U.S. Navy courtesy of Lockheed Martin Corporation, Photo #040527-O-0000L-003, from the Navy News Stand)	Navsource
99k	2 June 2005: Marinette, Wis. - Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Vern Clark, left, and Mrs. Birgit Smith, right, ships sponsor of the first Littoral Combat Ship, *Freedom* (LCS1), watch as a welder permanently etches Mrs. Smith's initials on a plaque that will be permanently attached to the ship. Smith is the widow to the late US Army Sgt. Paul Ray Smith, who was killed in action in Iraq and was recently awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor. LCS is a new class of ship designed to be a fast, agile and networked warship able to execute focused missions to defeat shallow water threats such as mines, diesel-electric submarines and fast surface crafts. (U.S. Navy photo #050602-N-2383B-080 by PHC Johnny Bivera, from the Navy News Stand)	Navsource
123k	16 August 2006: Marinette, Wis. - The first Littoral Combat Ship, *Freedom* (LCS1) is shown under construction in Marinette, Wis. LCS is a new class of ship designed to be a fast, agile and networked warship able to execute focused missions to defeat shallow water threats such as mines, diesel-electric submarines and fast surface crafts. *Freedom* is scheduled to be christened on Sept. 23, 2006. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, from the Navy News Stand)	Tony Cowart
126k	undated: Marinette, Wis. -A view of *Freedom's fixed, steerable Rolls-Royce water jets which enable superior maneuverability for mission execution. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation*)	Bill Gonyo
99k	8 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - The first Littoral Combat Ship, *Freedom* is shown under construction in Marinette, Wis. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, from the Navy News Stand)	Navsource
117k	23 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - Navy officials, prospective crewmembers for *Freedom* (LCS1) and Lockheed Martin team officials salute the flag at the beginning of the christening ceremony for the Navy’s first Littoral Combat Ship. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation)	Lee Wahler
83k	23 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - Admiral Michael G. Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations addresses the audience at the christening ceremony for the nation's first Littoral Combat Ship, *Freedom. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation*)
123k	23 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - The audience listens intently to the remarks during the christening ceremony, as *Freedom* sits on the ways ready for launch. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation)
128k	23 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - The nation’s first Littoral Combat Ship, *Freedom* (LCS1) the inaugural ship in an entirely new class of U.S. Navy surface warships prepares to make a side launch during her christening at the Marinette Marine shipyard. The agile 377-foot *Freedom* -- designed and built by a team led by Lockheed Martin -- will help the U.S. Navy defeat growing littoral, or close-to-shore, threats and provide access and dominance in coastal water battle-space. Displacing 3,000 metric tons and with a capability of reaching speeds well over 40 knots, *Freedom* will be a fast, maneuverable and networked surface combatant with operational flexibility to execute focused missions, such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and humanitarian relief. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, from the Navy News Stand)	Tony Cowart
117k	23 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - An audience of Navy officials and crew members, Lockheed Martin team members and Marinette Marine employees gather to witness the christening and launch of *Freedom* (LCS1). (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation)	Lee Wahler
60k	23 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - Mrs. Birgit Smith, ship's sponsor, christened *Freedom* with the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle across the ship's bow. Mrs. Smith is the wife of U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Paul Ray Smith who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry and bravery above and beyond the call of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation)
89k	23 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - *Freedom* is launched. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation)
99k	23 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - The nation’s first Littoral Combat Ship, *Freedom* (LCS1) the inaugural ship in an entirely new class of U.S. Navy surface warships makes a spectacular side launch during her christening at the Marinette Marine shipyard. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, from the Navy Newstand)	Tony Cowart
74k	23 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - *Freedom* experiences her first taste of water during her launching. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation)	Lee Wahler
113k	23 September 2006: Marinette, Wis. - The nation’s first Littoral Combat Ship, *Freedom* (LCS-1) the inaugural ship in an entirely new class of U.S. Navy surface warships sits afloat following a spectacular side launch during her christening at the Marinette Marine shipyard. (Photo courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, from the Navy News Stand)	Tony Cowart
217k	28 July 2008: Lake Michigan - The nation's first Littoral Combat Ship, *Freedom* (LCS1), the inaugural ship in an entirely new class of U.S. Navy surface warships, underway for the first time during day one of the ship's Builders Trials. The agile 377-foot *Freedom* -- designed and built by a team led by Lockheed Martin -- will help the U.S. Navy defeat growing littoral, or close-to-shore, threats and provide access and dominance in coastal water battle-space. Displacing 3,000 metric tons and with a capability of reaching speeds well over 40 knots, *Freedom* will be a fast, maneuverable and networked surface combatant with operational flexibility to execute focused missions, such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and humanitarian relief. (U.S. Navy photo #080728-O-XXXXX-001 thru 008 courtesy of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, from the Navy News Stand)	Sent in simultaneously by Robert M. Cieri and Tony Cowart
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164k	20 August 2008: Marinette, Wis. - The littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1), the first ship in the Navy's new Littoral Combat Ship class, prepares to go to sea to begin acceptance trials. The Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey team will conduct the acceptance trials in Lake Michigan. (U.S. Navy photo #080820-N-7090S-056 by MC3 Jhi L. Scott from the Navy News Stand)
139k	20 August 2008: Marinette, Wis. - Civilians watch as the littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* approaches the Menekaunee draw bridge as the ship goes to sea to begin acceptance trials. The Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey team will conduct the acceptance trials in Lake Michigan. (U.S. Navy photo #080820-N-7090S-362 by MC3 Jhi L. Scott from the Navy News Stand)
170k	4 November 2008: Milwaukee, Wis. - USS *Freedom* (LCS-1) berths in Milwaukee harbor preparing for her commissioning on 8 November. *Freedom* is the first of two littoral combat ships being produced for the Navy. *Freedom* is an innovative combatant designed to operate quickly in shallow water environments to counter challenging threats in costal regions, specifically mines, submarines and fast surface craft. (U.S. Navy photo #081104-N-0762S-003 by John Sheppard from the Navy News Stand)	Tony Cowart
234k	8 November 2008: Milwaukee, Wis. - Hundreds of spectators attend the commissioning ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1) at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. *Freedom* is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. (U.S. Navy photo #081108-N-9269B-096 by MC2 Katherine Boeder from the Navy News Stand)
111k	8 November 2008: Milwaukee, Wis. - The crew of the newly commissioned littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1) run aboard after being given the order to man the ship and bring her to life. *Freedom* is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. (U.S. Navy photo #081108-N-5549O-114 by MC2 Kevin S. O'Brien from the Navy News Stand)
146k	8 November 2008: Milwaukee, Wis. - Sea Cadets stand in formation as the crew of the littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1) mans the rails during her commissioning ceremony at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. *Freedom* is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. (US Navy photo #081108-N-9269B-098 by MC2 Katherine Boeder from the Navy News Stand)
64k	8 November 2008: Milwaukee, Wis. - A sailor assigned to the littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1) hoists the First Navy Jack during her commissioning ceremony at Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wis. *Freedom* is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. (U.S. Navy photo #081108-N-9269B-064 by MC2 Katherine Boeder from the Navy News Stand)
80k	15 November 2008: Milwaukee, Wis. - Cdr. Don Gabrielson, commanding officer of USS *Freedom* (LCS1), from San Diego, Calif., talks with a local news outlet during a media event aboard the ship. The crew is participating in numerous events preparing for the ship's commissioning Saturday, 8 November. (U.S. Navy photo #081105-N-0762S-001 by John Sheppard from the Navy News Stand)	Robert M. Cieri
205k	16 November 2008: Port Robinson, Ontario - Sailors aboard the littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS-1) man their sea and anchor detail stations as the ship transits through one of the many lock stations of the Welland Canal. *Freedom, the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments, is enroute to Naval Amphibious Base at Little Creek VA. (U.S. Navy photo #*081118-N-5758H-110 by MC2 Kenneth R. Hendrix from the Navy News Stand)
251k	16 November 2008: Buffalo, N.Y. - The littoral combat ship *Freedom* sails into the mouth of the Buffalo River toward Buffalo Naval Park for a scheduled port visit in Buffalo, N.Y. (U.S. Navy photo #081116-N-5758H-036 by MC2 Kenneth R. Hendrix from the Navy News Stand)
192k	18 November 2008: Port Robinson, Ontario - The littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1) transits through one of many locks stations in the Welland Canal. *Freedom* is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions and is in route to Norfolk VA. (U.S. Navy photo #081118-N-5758H-076 by MC2 Kenneth R. Hendrix from the Navy News Stand)
129k	21 November 2008: Montreal, Quebec - The littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1) sits pier side at the Old Port of Montreal. *Freedom* is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions and is en route to Norfolk VA. (U.S. Navy photo #081121-N-5758H-022 by MC2 Kenneth R. Hendrix from the Navy News Stand)
112k	27 November 2008: Quebec City, Quebec - Cdr. Don Gabrielson, right, commanding officer of the littoral combat ship *Freedom, places a turkey leg on Chief Gas Turbine Electrician Raymond Quezada's plate as he serves Thanksgiving dinner to the crew. (U.S. Navy photo #*081127-N-5758H-682 by MC2 Kenneth R. Hendrix from the Navy News Stand)
157k	27 November 2008: Quebec City, Quebec - Mineman 1st Class Jose Avelar, left, and Senior Chief Operations Specialist Thomas Dunning make their Thanksgiving dinner plates on the mess deck aboard the littoral combat ship *Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo #*081127-N-5758H-639 by MC2 Kenneth R. Hendrix from the Navy News Stand)
197k	6 December 2008: Boston, Mass. - The littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS-1), right, the Navy's newest commissioned ship, berths next to USS *Constitution* at the Charlestown Navy Yard during a weekend port visit in Boston. *Freedom* is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions and is currently en route to Norfolk VA. (U.S. Navy photo #081206-N-5758H-076 by MC2 Kenneth R. Hendrix from the Navy News Stand)
98k	6 December 2008: Boston, Mass. - Chief Quartermaster Stephanie Kotatis, left, assigned to the littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS-1), and Boatswain's Mate Seaman Dustin Foster, assigned to USS *Constitution* , raise the Colors aboard *Freedom. Freedom* is the first of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. *Freedom* is in Boston on a port visit while en route to Norfolk VA. (U.S. Navy photo #081206-N-5758H-025 by MC2 Kenneth R. Hendrix from the Navy News Stand)
284k	8 December 2008: Boston, Mass. - The littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS-1), the Navy's newest commissioned ship, transits the Boston Harbor. *Freedom* spent three days moored next to USS *Constitution* , the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. (U.S. Navy photo #081208-N-1060K-067 by MC3 Anna Kiner from the Navy News Stand)
176k	10 December 2008: Annapolis, Md - Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Jacob Beard, left, and Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Andrew Naff await the arrival of the littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS-1) at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. *Freedom* is visiting the Naval Academy as part of its maiden voyage from the Great Lakes to Norfolk, Va. (U.S. Navy photo #081210-N-5390M-025 by Ken Mierzejewski from the Navy News Stand)
160k	15 December 2008: Norfolk, Va. - The littoral combat ship *Freedom* arrives in Norfolk after a month-long underway through the Great Lakes, Eastern Canada and the Northeast coast of the United States. *Freedom* will be undergo post-delivery tests and sea trials in Norfolk before transiting to her homeport in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo #081215-N-4515N-158 by MCSA Joshua Adam Nuzzo from the Navy News Stand)	Lee Wahler
198k	15 December 2008: Norfolk, Va. - *Freedom* is moored to the pier for her first night at Naval Station Norfolk. *Freedom* arrived in Norfolk after a month-long underway through the Great Lakes, Eastern Canada and the Northeast coast of the United States. She will undergo post-delivery tests and sea trials in Norfolk before transiting to her homeport in San Diego. (US Navy photo #081215-N-1713L-079 by MC1 Lolita M. Lewis from the Navy News Stand)	Lee Wahler
189k	5 May 2009: Alexandria, Va. - The littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1) pulls into port at Robinson Terminal in Old Town Alexandria, Va. *Freedom* brings new capabilities to the fleet, including the ability to travel closer to shore than a conventional ship, providing a considerable advantage in the war on terror. (U.S. Navy photo #090505-N-5319A-001 by MC1 Brien Aho from the Navy News Stand)	Navsource
174k	6 May 2009: Alexandria, Va. - Gold Crew Command Master Chief Tony Decker gives Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West and Master Chief Johnny Walker a tour of the littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1). *Freedom* is in port at Robinson Terminal in Old Town Alexandria, Va. (U.S. Navy photo #090505-N-9818V-050 by MC1 Jennifer A. Villalovos from the Navy News Stand)
231k	8 June 2009: Charleston, S.C. - A tugboat helps turn the littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1) around in Charleston Harbor before the ship moors in Charleston, SC. *Freedom* and its 40 man crew will enjoy a break from the testing and evaluation phase. (U.S. Navy photo #090608-N-1783P-014 by MM3 Juan Pinalez from the Navy News Stand)
653k	28 September 2009: the Atlantic Ocean - A four photo montage of the littoral combat ship USS *Freedom* (LCS1) conducting flight deck certification with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22. (U.S. Navy photos: Top Left - #090928-N-7241L-232; Top Right - #090928-N-7241L-149; Bottom Left - #090928-N-7241L-245; Bottom Right - #090928-N-7241L-091 by MC2 Nathan Laird from the Navy News Stand)	Mike Hibbard