Austal Celebrates The Christening Of Future USS Tulsa (LCS 16)

Austal Limited (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce that Austal USA has hosted the christening of the future USS Tulsa, the 8^th Independence variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) designed and constructed for the United States Navy (USN).

Former Mayor of Tulsa and current Chief of Economic Development for the Oklahoma city, Mrs Kathy Taylor formally christened USS Tulsa at a formal ceremony held at Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard.

In addition to the USS Independence (LCS 2) and Coronado (LCS 4), Austal USA is delivering 11 Independence variant LCS to the USN, under a contract valued at approximately US$4 billion.

Commenting on the Tulsa christening, Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton remarked, “Austal’s LCS program began with a unique, innovative design solution developed in Australia, specifically for the United States Navy. Now, as the program matures and more LCS, like Tulsa, are constructed, the true value of the program to Australia’s shipbuilding capability and defence export industry is becoming evident.

“Austal’s LCS program has not only contributed to the economic growth of the City of Mobile and the State of Alabama but importantly has provided genuine opportunities for Australian-based Austal shipbuilding professionals, contractors and suppliers to develop industry leading skills, products and export capability,” Singleton added.

Following the delivery of LCS 10, USS Gabrielle Giffords to the USN on 23 December 2016, Austal USA has 6 x LCS under construction.

Omaha (LCS 12) and Manchester (LCS 14) are preparing for sea trials in March, final assembly is well underway on Charleston (LCS 18) and modules for both Cincinnati (LCS 20) and Kansas City (LCS 22) are now under construction in Austal’s advanced Module Manufacturing Facility (MMF).

The future USS Tulsa (LCS 16) will be launched in March is scheduled for delivery in 2018.

Ship’s sponsor, Mrs Kathy Taylor, former Mayor and current Chief of Economic Development for the City of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was joined by Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle and officers from the US Navy for the christening of the future USS Tulsa at Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard on 11 February 2017. (Photo: Austal)

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About Austal

Austal is a global defence prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defence and commercial ships. For more than 28 years Austal has been a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of revolutionary ships for governments, navies and ferry operators around the world. More than 255 vessels have been delivered in that time.

Ships

Defence vessels designed and built by Austal include multi-mission combatants, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the United States Navy and military high-speed vessels for transport and humanitarian relief, such as the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ships for the U.S. Navy and High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman. Austal also designs, constructs, integrates and maintains an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels for government agencies globally, including the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program for Australian Border Force. Defence vessels are designed and constructed in Mobile, Alabama and in Henderson, Western Australia.

Austal has been at the forefront of the high-speed ferry market since the early days of the industry. Our market leading designs of high performance aluminium vessels have long been at the heart of Austal’s research and development. Today, commercial ship construction is centred on our shipyard in Balamban, Philippines.

Systems

Austal has expertise in integrating complex systems into its ships, including ride control, ship management, and communication, sensors and weapon systems.

Support

Austal provides a wide range of support services, including through life support, integrated logistics support, vessel sustainment and systems support. These services are delivered through our global support network in the USA, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East together with partner shipyards worldwide.