Austal USA starts construction of LCU 1710 class Landing Craft for United States Navy

MEDIA RELEASE

4 APRIL 2024

Austal USA starts construction of LCU1710 class Landing Craft for United States Navy

Austal USA has celebrated the start of construction on the first of three LCU 1710 Landing Craft Utility vessels for the United States Navy at the company’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard.

Austal USA was awarded a US$91.5 million (A$143.4 million) contract in September 2023 that includes three LCU 1710 vessels and associated support efforts.

With the LCU’s a key amphibious asset, Austal USA was honoured to have United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lieutenant General Karsten S. Heckl, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (DC, CD&I), as guest speaker at the start of construction event.

Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the start of construction on Austal USA’s latest steel vessel program highlighted the shipyard’s growing capacity and capability to efficiently manufacture multiple steel vessel projects.

“The Austal USA team is already constructing the US Navy’s Towing, Salvage and Rescue (T-ATS) ships and the Auxiliary Floating Dry Dock Medium (AFDM), with more steel projects to commence soon, including the Navy’s Ocean Surveillance (T-AGOS) ships and the Coast Guards’ Offshore Patrol Cutters,” Mr Gregg said.   

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lieutenant General Karsten S. Heckl, said “The LCU provides strategic value and versatility to the Navy-Marine Corps team. These landing craft will significantly enhance our sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Forces and Marine Expeditionary Units, providing them with unparalleled flexibility, and the capability to maneuver Marines, sailors and equipment in environments unreachable by other means.”

Austal USA Vice President of New Construction Programs Dave Growden said: “Austal USA is eager to begin construction on the first of these important connectors for the U.S. Navy. Having General Heckl join the Austal USA team today in honor of this milestone sends a strong message on the critical role this platform plays in supporting expeditionary operations for the Navy and Marine Corps.  We are excited to roll these vessels down the assembly line and into the fleet.”

LCU 1710 are carried aboard the United States Navy’s amphibious assault ships to the objective area and used across a range of military operations to deliver vehicles, personnel and cargo from sea-to-shore and back. The vessels provide an essential heavy-lift capability and can carry approximately the same payload capacity as seven C-17 aircraft.

Austal USA has commenced construction of three LCU1710 Landing Craft for the United States Navy (Images: Austal USA)

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Cameron Morse

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