A grand celebration marked the launch of the nation’s 3rd Littoral Combat Ship, built by Marinette Marine. The LCS Fort Worth splashed down in the Menominee River Saturday morning with local, state and national dignitaries marking the occasion.
The ship’s sponsor, Congresswoman Kay Granger from Texas, performed the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle across Fort Worth’s bow. She talked about the launch, sight very few people ever get to see. “It was wonderful. It was particularly good and exciting because of the side launch. This is the only place they do that.”
The vessel’s side launch allows it to essentially be dropped directly into the water.
The LCS is a new generation of Navy ship. The speedy vessel allows the military to easily switch out weapon systems in just a matter of days, a bonus in an age where weapons technology is rapidly updated.