VIDEO: USS Sioux City launched

The Lockheed Martin-led industry team launched the U.S. Navy’s 11th Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Sioux City, into the Menominee River at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) shipyard on Saturday, January 30.

The ship’s sponsor, Mary Winnefeld, christened Sioux City with the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle across the ship’s bow just prior to the launch.

Winnefeld said: “It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the sponsor of the future USS Sioux City. I also look forward to an ongoing relationship with her courageous crews and their families throughout the ship’s lifetime.”

Following christening and launch, Sioux City will continue to undergo outfitting and testing before delivery to the Navy in early 2017.

USS Sioux City, designated LCS 11, honors its namesake city in the state of Iowa and is the first naval vessel to be named in honor of Sioux City, Iowa.

The vessel is a Freedom variant of the littoral combat ship whose construction is led by Lockheed Martin. The other variant is called Independence and its building team is lead by Austal USA.

Image, video: Lockheed Martin

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