The U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced on January 19 that the navy’s next littoral combat ship, the USS Sioux City (LCS 11), would be commissioned in the city of Annapolis, Maryland.
The navy added that no date was set for the ceremony, but the ship is expected to be commissioned later this year.
Sioux City, a Freedom variant of the LCS class, was named to honor the citizens of Sioux City and the state of Iowa for their support of, and contributions to, the military. Sioux City was termed an All-American City by the National Civic League because of the balance it struck between community and industry.
Mary Winnefeld, spouse of retired Adm. James “Sandy” Winnefeld, serves as the ship’s sponsor.
Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis. built Sioux City, which is 378 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 57 feet, displaces approximately 3,000 tons, and will operate at speeds in excess of 40 knots.