Littoral Warfare Ship Photo Index

Click On Image For Full Size Image	Size	Image Description	Contributed By And/Or Copyright
1502001a	102k	27 May 2004: Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Navy announced today that General Dynamics - Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, 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 General Dynamics, Photo #040527-O-0000G-004, from the Navy Newstand)	Mike Smolinski Clifton, N.J. Navsource DE/FF/LCS Archive Manager
1502001b	492k	undated: Mobile, Ala. - An aerial view of the Austal USA shipyard, the American branch of operations for Australian shipbuilder Austal. Founded in 1999 along the west bank of Blakely Island on the Mobile River in Mobile, Alabama. The shipyard was initially engaged in building high-speed aluminum ferries, such as the *Lake Express* for service across Lake Michigan, and the *Alakai* for Hawaii Superferry. Construction on the first Littoral Combat Ship of the USS *Independence* variant was begun in 2006. In conjunction with the General Dynamics Corp., all of the planned Independence Class LCS's will be built here. (Photo courtesy of AUSTAL, USA)
1518001	160k	12 May 2016: Mobile, Ala. - Modules for the future USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) are moved into the final assembly even as the future USS *Manchester* (LCS 14) is rolled out. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Austal USA)
1.) 237k 2.) 348k 3.) 336k 4.) 410k 28 June 2016: Mobile, Ala. - A ceremony was hosted to celebrate the keel authentication of future USS *Charleston* (LCS 18), the ninth Independence variant littoral combat ship. Charlotte Riley, wife of former Charleston mayor Joseph Riley, serves as the ship's sponsor and honorary member and advocate for the crew. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL) served as the honorary keel authenticator during the ceremony and was present to weld his initials into the keel plate. "The future USS *Charleston* stands as a testament to the strong and resilient spirit of her namesake city," said Capt. Tom Anderson, LCS program manager. "Once complete, this highly versatile warship will sail the world's seas, carrying with her the backing of a city steeped in naval history." (Photo #3 - U.S. Navy photo #160329-N-YE579-001 from the America's Navy, remainder courtesy of Austal USA) 1.) 1518002 2.) 1518003 3.) 1518004 4.) 1518005	Ron Reeves Oaklyn, N.J.
1518006	341k	26 August 2017: Mobile, Ala. - Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer delivers remarks during the christening ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) at the Austal USA shipyard. Spencer is in the area to view the ongoing shipyard work at Austal USA and meet sailors and civilian employees who support the Navy. (U.S. Navy photo #170826-N-LV331-008 by MC1 Armando Gonzales from the Navy Newstand)	Lee Wahler Lcdr., USN (ret.) Jacksonville, Fla.
1518007	335k	26 August 2017: Mobile, Ala. - Ship's sponsor Charlotte Riley breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow during the christening ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18). At the ceremony, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer gave the principal address. Spencer is in the area to view the ongoing shipyard work at Austal USA and meet sailors and civilian employees who support the Navy. (U.S. Navy photo #170826-N-LV331-009 by MC1 Armando Gonzales from the Navy Newstand)
1.) 487k 2.) 512k 3.) 232k 4.) 230k 5.) 420k 6.) 462k 7.) 419k 8.) 645k 13 - 14 September 2017: Mobile, Ala. - On 13 September we see the future USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) being rolled out of the fabrication shed onto a barge. The barge will transport it downriver to the BAE Systems yard where she'll be transferred to a floating drydock. On the 14th, she'll be floated out of the drydock and towed back to the Austal yard upriver. (Photos courtesy of Austal USA) 1.) 1518008 2.) 1518009 3.) 1518010 4.) 1518011 5.) 1518012 6.) 1518013 7.) 1518014 8.) 1518015	Mike Smolinski Clifton, N.J. Navsource DE/FF/LCS Archive Manager
1.) 527k 2.) 450k 3.) 777k 4.) 570k 5.) 796k 18 July 2018: the Gulf of Mexico - Five views of PCU *Charleston* (LCS 18) on builders acceptance trials. Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before the ship is delivered to the Navy. During trials, the Navy conducted comprehensive tests of the future USS *Charleston* to demonstrate the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling abilities and auxiliary systems. While underway, the ship successfully demonstrated her bow thruster, twin boom extensible crane operations with the 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat, completed surface and air self-defense detect-to-engage exercises and demonstrated the ship's handling and maneuverability through high-speed steering and operation of her anchor. Following delivery, *Charleston* will undergo a post-delivery availability that includes crew training, certifications and familiarization exercises in Mobile. (Photos courtesy of Austal USA) 1.) 1518016 2.) 1518017 3.) 1518018 4.) 1518019 5.) 1518020	Lee Wahler Lcdr., USN (ret.)
1.) 401k 2.) 398k 3.) 225k 4.) 250k 5.) 313k 6.) 309k 7.) 198k 8.) 318k 9.) 243k 10.) 422k 11.) 341k 12.) 387k 02 March 2019: Charleston, S.C. - USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) LCS 18 is the sixteenth littoral combat ship to enter the fleet and the ninth of the Independence variant. It is the sixth ship named for Charleston, the oldest and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. Although the ship will be stationed in San Diego, Cal., the captain and members of the crew will make annual trips to Charleston to interact with the city and work with the Navy League of Charleston to maintain the relationship between the namesake city and the ship. 1.) Crewmembers from the previous USS *Charleston* (LKA 113), commissioned in 1968, take pictures of members from the new USS *Charleston. ...................................190302-F-JT564-0023 2.) Sailors of the Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Charleston* (LCS 18), hold a banner from the crew of the previous USS *Charleston* (LKA 113). ......................190302-N-BR740-1057 3.) Sailors and Airmen from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, present the colors during the commissioning ceremony of USS *Charleston. ...........................................190302-N-BR740-1079 4.) Sailors of the Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Charleston* (LCS 18), stand at parade rest during the ship’s commissioning ceremony. ..........................................190302-N-BR740-1119 5.) John Tecklenburg, mayor of Charleston, gives a speech at the USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) commissioning ceremony in Charleston, S.C. .......................................................190302-F-JT564-0224 6.) U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina gives a speech at the USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) commissioning ceremony in Charleston, S.C. ...........................................................190302-F-JT564-0261 7.) Commander Christopher K. Brusca, the commanding officer of the Navy's newest littoral combat ship speaks during the commissioning ceremony. ...............................190302-N-RF885-190 8.) Charlotte Riley, the sponsor of USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) gives the order to man the ship and bring her to life during its commissioning ceremony. ................................190302-N-RF885-170 9.) Crew members of the USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) officially man the ship for the first time at its commissioning ceremony on 02 March 2019, in Charleston. ................190302-F-JT564-0414 10.) Sailors of the Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS *Charleston, run to their newly commissioned ship in a ceremony to bring the ship to life. ...................................190302-N-BR740-1166 11.) Crew members of the USS Charleston* (LCS 18) officially man the ship for the first time at its commissioning ceremony 02 March 2019, in Charleston, S.C. ..........190302-N-BR740-1166 12.) The USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) is docked at the Port of Charleston, S.C., after its commissioning ceremony on 02 March 2019. .....................................................................190302-F-JT564-0666 (Photos courtesy of the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service) 1.) 1518021 2.) 1518022 3.) 1518023 4.) 1518024 5.) 1518025 6.) 1518026 7.) 1518027 8.) 1518028 9.) 1518029 10.) 1518030 11.) 1518031 12.) 1518032	Mike Smolinski Clifton, N.J. Navsource DE/FF/LCS Archive Man/tager
1518033	354k	19 April 2019: San Diego, Cal. - The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) sails through San Diego Bay in transit to the ship's Naval Base San Diego homeport, successfully completing the ship's maiden voyage from the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. *Charleston* is the ninth ship in the littoral combat ship Independence-variant class and is the eleventh LCS to be homeported in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo #190419-N-KG738-1051* by MC1 Woody S. Paschall from the Navy News Stand)*
1518034	469k	08 October 2019: San Francisco, Cal. - The guided-missile destroyer USS *Zumwalt* (DDG 1000), left, guided-missile cruiser USS *Princeton* (CG 59), back right, and littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) moor to a pier in San Francisco for San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW). SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of San Francisco and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy photo #191008-N-OW019-1044* by MC2 Logan C. Kellums from the Navy News Stand)*
1518035	443k	08 October 2019: San Francisco, Cal. - The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS *Princeton* (CG 59) sit pier-side while participating in San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2019. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. (U.S. Navy photo #191008-N-XN177-0068* by MC1 Peter Burghart from the Navy News Stand)*
1518036	272k	11 October 2019: San Francisco, Cal. - The littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) transits passed Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay as part of the parade of ships during 2019 San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW). SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. (U.S. Navy photo #191011-N-OW019-1076* by MC2 Logan C. Kellums from the Navy News Stand)*
1518037	343k	05 January 2020: Apra Harbor, Guam - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, right, and Cmdr. Joseph Burgon come aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18). *Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo #210730-N-JL294-1064 by MC2 Adam Butler from the Navy News Stand)*
1518038	376k	10 December 2020: the Pacific Ocean - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS *Howard* (DDG 83), front, and the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) transit the Pacific Ocean. *Howard* and *Charleston* are underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. Third Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo #201210-N-HI500-2062* by MC3 Brandie Nuzzi from the Navy News Stand)*
1518039	504k	11 May 2021: the Pacific Ocean - Two views of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) as she transits the Pacific Ocean in support of the Oceanica Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) program. The OMSI program is a Secretary of Defense initiative leveraging Department of Defense assests transiting the region to increase the Coast Guard’s maritime domain awareness, ultimately supporting is maritime law enforcement operations in Oceania. (U.S. Navy photo #210511-N-WU807-1353 and 210511-N-WU807-1095 by MC3 Adam Butler from the Navy News Stand)
1518040	325k
1518041	206k	24 May 2021: U.S. 7th Fleet, the Pacific Ocean - An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 takes off from the flight deck of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18). *Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo #*210524-N-WU807-1024 by MC3 Adam Butler from the Navy News Stand)
1518042	514k	23 June 2021: Trincomalee, Sri Lanka - USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) arrives in Trincomalee for a contactless port visit ahead of Cooperation Afloat and Readiness at Sea Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka. In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo #210623-N-PL200-0003 by Lcdr. Lauren Chatmas from the Navy News Stand)
1518043	522k	26 June 2021: Trincomalee, Sri Lanka - USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) departs Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, following a contactless port visit ahead of the sea phase of Cooperation Afloat and Readiness at Sea Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka. (U.S. Navy photo #210627-N-PL200-0011 by Lcdr. Lauren Chatmas from the Navy News Stand)
1518044	576k	30 June 2021: the Indian Ocean - Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) SH-60 helicopter, Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS *Sayurala* (P-623), center, and littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18), move in formation during an exercise for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies' abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo #210630-N-WU807-1698 by MC3 Adam Butler from the Navy News Stand)
1518045	639k	30 June 2021: the Indian Ocean - Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS *Charleston* (LCS 18) and Sri Lankan Navy Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS *Gajabahu* render honors to each other after concluding Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises. (U.S. Navy photo #210630-N-WU807-1751 by MC3 Adam Butler from the Navy News Stand)

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1502001a

102k

27 May 2004: Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Navy announced today that General Dynamics - Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, 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 General Dynamics, Photo #040527-O-0000G-004, from the Navy Newstand)

Mike Smolinski
Clifton, N.J.

Navsource DE/FF/LCS
Archive Manager

1502001b

492k

undated: Mobile, Ala. - An aerial view of the Austal USA shipyard, the American branch of operations for Australian shipbuilder Austal. Founded in 1999 along the west bank of Blakely Island on the Mobile River in Mobile, Alabama. The shipyard was initially engaged in building high-speed aluminum ferries, such as the Lake Express for service across Lake Michigan, and the Alakai for Hawaii Superferry. Construction on the first Littoral Combat Ship of the USS Independence variant was begun in 2006. In conjunction with the General Dynamics Corp., all of the planned Independence Class LCS's will be built here.

(Photo courtesy of AUSTAL, USA)

1518001

160k

12 May 2016: Mobile, Ala. - Modules for the future USS Charleston (LCS 18) are moved into the final assembly even as the future USS Manchester (LCS 14) is rolled out.

(U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Austal USA)

1.) 237k

2.) 348k

3.) 336k

4.) 410k

28 June 2016: Mobile, Ala. - A ceremony was hosted to celebrate the keel authentication of future USS Charleston (LCS 18), the ninth Independence variant littoral combat ship.
Charlotte Riley, wife of former Charleston mayor Joseph Riley, serves as the ship's sponsor and honorary member and advocate for the crew. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL)
served as the honorary keel authenticator during the ceremony and was present to weld his initials into the keel plate. "The future USS Charleston stands as a testament to the
strong and resilient spirit of her namesake city," said Capt. Tom Anderson, LCS program manager. "Once complete, this highly versatile warship will sail the world's seas, carrying
with her the backing of a city steeped in naval history."

(Photo #3 - U.S. Navy photo #160329-N-YE579-001 from the America's Navy, remainder courtesy of Austal USA)

1.) 1518002 2.) 1518003 3.) 1518004 4.) 1518005

Ron Reeves
Oaklyn, N.J.

1518006

341k

26 August 2017: Mobile, Ala. - Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer delivers remarks during the christening ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) at the Austal USA shipyard. Spencer is in the area to view the ongoing shipyard work at Austal USA and meet sailors and civilian employees who support the Navy.

(U.S. Navy photo #170826-N-LV331-008 by MC1 Armando Gonzales from the Navy Newstand)

Lee Wahler
Lcdr., USN (ret.)
Jacksonville, Fla.

1518007

335k

26 August 2017: Mobile, Ala. - Ship's sponsor Charlotte Riley breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow during the christening ceremony for the littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18). At the ceremony, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer gave the principal address. Spencer is in the area to view the ongoing shipyard work at Austal USA and meet sailors and civilian employees who support the Navy.

(U.S. Navy photo #170826-N-LV331-009 by MC1 Armando Gonzales from the Navy Newstand)

1.) 487k

2.) 512k

3.) 232k

4.) 230k

5.) 420k

6.) 462k

7.) 419k

8.) 645k

13 - 14 September 2017: Mobile, Ala. - On 13 September we see the future USS Charleston (LCS 18) being rolled out of the fabrication shed onto a barge.
The barge will transport it downriver to the BAE Systems yard where she'll be transferred to a floating drydock. On the 14th, she'll be floated out of the drydock
and towed back to the Austal yard upriver.

(Photos courtesy of Austal USA)

1.) 1518008 2.) 1518009 3.) 1518010 4.) 1518011
5.) 1518012 6.) 1518013 7.) 1518014 8.) 1518015

Mike Smolinski
Clifton, N.J.

Navsource DE/FF/LCS
Archive Manager

1.) 527k

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3.) 777k

4.) 570k

5.) 796k

18 July 2018: the Gulf of Mexico - Five views of PCU Charleston (LCS 18) on builders acceptance trials. Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone
before the ship is delivered to the Navy. During trials, the Navy conducted comprehensive tests of the future USS Charleston to demonstrate the performance
of the propulsion plant, ship handling abilities and auxiliary systems. While underway, the ship successfully demonstrated her bow thruster, twin boom extensible
crane operations with the 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat, completed surface and air self-defense detect-to-engage exercises and demonstrated the ship's handling
and maneuverability through high-speed steering and operation of her anchor. Following delivery, Charleston will undergo a post-delivery availability that includes
crew training, certifications and familiarization exercises in Mobile.

(Photos courtesy of Austal USA)

1.) 1518016 2.) 1518017 3.) 1518018 4.) 1518019 5.) 1518020

Lee Wahler
Lcdr., USN (ret.)

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02 March 2019: Charleston, S.C. - USS Charleston (LCS 18) LCS 18 is the sixteenth littoral combat ship to enter the fleet and the ninth of the Independence variant. It is the sixth
ship named for Charleston, the oldest and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. Although the ship will be stationed in San Diego, Cal., the captain and members of the crew
will make annual trips to Charleston to interact with the city and work with the Navy League of Charleston to maintain the relationship between the namesake city and the ship.

1.) Crewmembers from the previous USS Charleston (LKA 113), commissioned in 1968, take pictures of members from the new USS Charleston. ...................................190302-F-JT564-0023
2.) Sailors of the Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Charleston (LCS 18), hold a banner from the crew of the previous USS Charleston (LKA 113). ......................190302-N-BR740-1057
3.) Sailors and Airmen from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, present the colors during the commissioning ceremony of USS Charleston. ...........................................190302-N-BR740-1079
4.) Sailors of the Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Charleston (LCS 18), stand at parade rest during the ship’s commissioning ceremony. ..........................................190302-N-BR740-1119
5.) John Tecklenburg, mayor of Charleston, gives a speech at the USS Charleston (LCS 18) commissioning ceremony in Charleston, S.C. .......................................................190302-F-JT564-0224
6.) U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina gives a speech at the USS Charleston (LCS 18) commissioning ceremony in Charleston, S.C. ...........................................................190302-F-JT564-0261
7.) Commander Christopher K. Brusca, the commanding officer of the Navy's newest littoral combat ship speaks during the commissioning ceremony. ...............................190302-N-RF885-190
8.) Charlotte Riley, the sponsor of USS Charleston (LCS 18) gives the order to man the ship and bring her to life during its commissioning ceremony. ................................190302-N-RF885-170
9.) Crew members of the USS Charleston (LCS 18) officially man the ship for the first time at its commissioning ceremony on 02 March 2019, in Charleston. ................190302-F-JT564-0414
10.) Sailors of the Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Charleston, run to their newly commissioned ship in a ceremony to bring the ship to life. ...................................190302-N-BR740-1166
11.) Crew members of the USS Charleston (LCS 18) officially man the ship for the first time at its commissioning ceremony 02 March 2019, in Charleston, S.C. ..........190302-N-BR740-1166
12.) The USS Charleston (LCS 18) is docked at the Port of Charleston, S.C., after its commissioning ceremony on 02 March 2019. .....................................................................190302-F-JT564-0666

(Photos courtesy of the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)

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7.) 1518027 8.) 1518028 9.) 1518029 10.) 1518030 11.) 1518031 12.) 1518032

Mike Smolinski
Clifton, N.J.

Navsource DE/FF/LCS
Archive Man/tager

1518033

354k

19 April 2019: San Diego, Cal. - The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) sails through San Diego Bay in transit to the ship's Naval Base San Diego homeport, successfully completing the ship's maiden voyage from the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. Charleston is the ninth ship in the littoral combat ship Independence-variant class and is the eleventh LCS to be homeported in San Diego.

(U.S. Navy photo #190419-N-KG738-1051 by MC1 Woody S. Paschall from the Navy News Stand)

1518034

469k

08 October 2019: San Francisco, Cal. - The guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), left, guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), back right, and littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) moor to a pier in San Francisco for San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW). SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of San Francisco and its surrounding areas.

(U.S. Navy photo #191008-N-OW019-1044 by MC2 Logan C. Kellums from the Navy News Stand)

1518035

443k

08 October 2019: San Francisco, Cal. - The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) sit pier-side while participating in San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2019. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services.

(U.S. Navy photo #191008-N-XN177-0068 by MC1 Peter Burghart from the Navy News Stand)

1518036

272k

11 October 2019: San Francisco, Cal. - The littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) transits passed Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay as part of the parade of ships during 2019 San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW). SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services.

(U.S. Navy photo #191011-N-OW019-1076 by MC2 Logan C. Kellums from the Navy News Stand)

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343k

05 January 2020: Apra Harbor, Guam - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, right, and Cmdr. Joseph Burgon come aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18). Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

(U.S. Navy photo #210730-N-JL294-1064 by MC2 Adam Butler from the Navy News Stand)

1518038

376k

10 December 2020: the Pacific Ocean - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), front, and the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) transit the Pacific Ocean. Howard and Charleston are underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. Third Fleet area of operations.

(U.S. Navy photo #201210-N-HI500-2062 by MC3 Brandie Nuzzi from the Navy News Stand)

1518039

504k

11 May 2021: the Pacific Ocean - Two views of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) as she transits the Pacific Ocean in support of the Oceanica Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) program. The OMSI program is a Secretary of Defense initiative leveraging Department of Defense assests transiting the region to increase the Coast Guard’s maritime domain awareness, ultimately supporting is maritime law enforcement operations in Oceania.

(U.S. Navy photo #210511-N-WU807-1353 and 210511-N-WU807-1095 by MC3 Adam Butler from the Navy News Stand)

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24 May 2021: U.S. 7th Fleet, the Pacific Ocean - An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 takes off from the flight deck of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18). Charleston, part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, is on a rotational deployment operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

(U.S. Navy photo #210524-N-WU807-1024 by MC3 Adam Butler from the Navy News Stand)

1518042

514k

23 June 2021: Trincomalee, Sri Lanka - USS Charleston (LCS 18) arrives in Trincomalee for a contactless port visit ahead of Cooperation Afloat and Readiness at Sea Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka. In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

(U.S. Navy photo #210623-N-PL200-0003 by Lcdr. Lauren Chatmas from the Navy News Stand)

1518043

522k

26 June 2021: Trincomalee, Sri Lanka - USS Charleston (LCS 18) departs Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, following a contactless port visit ahead of the sea phase of Cooperation Afloat and Readiness at Sea Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka.

(U.S. Navy photo #210627-N-PL200-0011 by Lcdr. Lauren Chatmas from the Navy News Stand)

1518044

576k

30 June 2021: the Indian Ocean - Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) SH-60 helicopter, Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Sayurala (P-623), center, and littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), move in formation during an exercise for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies' abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

(U.S. Navy photo #210630-N-WU807-1698 by MC3 Adam Butler from the Navy News Stand)

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30 June 2021: the Indian Ocean - Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) and Sri Lankan Navy Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Gajabahu render honors to each other after concluding Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises.

(U.S. Navy photo #210630-N-WU807-1751 by MC3 Adam Butler from the Navy News Stand)

Blue Crew	Gold Crew
1.) 02 Mar. 2019	Cmdr. Christopher K. Brusca (enl. '93 / BOOST '00) (Los Angeles, Cal.)	1.) 20 Sep. 2020	Cmdr. Joseph C. Burgon (USNA '04) (Cottonwood, Cal.)
2.) 06 Dec. 2019	Cmdr. James H. Hoey (USNA '01) (Santa Rosa, Cal.)	2.) 10 Nov. 2021	Cmdr. John I. Actkinson (enl. ‘96 / USNA '04) (San Antonio, Tex.)
3.) 30 Jul. 2021	Cmdr. Clayton Caesare Beas (USNA '04) (Bloomington, Cal.)	3.) .. Oct. 2022	Cmdr. Andrew Allen (Spike) Lamson (USNA '05) (Port Arthur, Tex.)
4.) 04 May 2023	Cmdr. Nellie Wang (NROTC '06) (San Francisco, Cal. / Seoul, South Korea)	4.) 24 Mar. 2023	Cmdr. Matthew T. Knuth (NROTC '06) (Knsas City, Mo.)

Blue Crew

Gold Crew

1.) 02 Mar. 2019

Cmdr. Christopher K. Brusca (enl. '93 / BOOST '00) (Los Angeles, Cal.)

1.) 20 Sep. 2020

Cmdr. Joseph C. Burgon (USNA '04) (Cottonwood, Cal.)

2.) 06 Dec. 2019

Cmdr. James H. Hoey (USNA '01) (Santa Rosa, Cal.)

2.) 10 Nov. 2021

Cmdr. John I. Actkinson (enl. ‘96 / USNA '04) (San Antonio, Tex.)

3.) 30 Jul. 2021

Cmdr. Clayton Caesare Beas (USNA '04) (Bloomington, Cal.)

3.) .. Oct. 2022

Cmdr. Andrew Allen (Spike) Lamson (USNA '05) (Port Arthur, Tex.)

4.) 04 May 2023

Cmdr. Nellie Wang (NROTC '06) (San Francisco, Cal. / Seoul, South Korea)

4.) 24 Mar. 2023

Cmdr. Matthew T. Knuth (NROTC '06) (Knsas City, Mo.)

NavSource Online: Littoral Warship Photo Archive

Charleston (LCS 18)

"Charleston, The Ship" - "Charleston, The People"

"Charleston, The Ship" - "Charleston, The People"

Charleston Memorabilia
Ship's Emblem Courtesy of Wolfgang Hechler

Charleston History
View the USS Charleston (LCS 18) DANFS history entry located on the Naval History and Heritage Command web site.