US Navy takes delivery of final Freedom-variant LCS

November 28, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Navy has accepted delivery of the future USS Cleveland (LCS 31) from Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) in Marinette, Wisconsin.

USS Cleveland, which was handed over on November 26, 2025, is the 16th and final ship of its class, marking the completion of the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) construction phases.

Following commissioning in Cleveland, Ohio, in early 2026, LCS 31 will be homeported in Mayport, Florida. It will support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence in different operational theaters.

“The delivery of USS Cleveland, our final Freedom-variant LCS, symbolizes the U.S. Navy’s unwavering vigilance and a steadfast commitment to protecting national interest and ensuring global stability,” said Jay Iungerich, acting deputy program manager of the LCS Program Office (PMS 501).

“With the final Freedom-variant LCS now delivered, we celebrate the successful outcome of years of innovation and commitment,” stated Melissa Kirkendall, Program Executive Officer, Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC).

“This highly capable and lethal warship is ready to assert maritime dominance and protect global waters with unparalleled precision and power.”

The LCS program consists of two variants: the Freedom-variant and the Independence-variant, built by different teams. The Freedom-variant is designed and built by Lockheed Martin (with shipbuilding by Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin).

According to the Navy, the LCS program was created to deliver fast, agile, and networked surface combatants optimized for operations in the littorals—shallow and congested coastal regions where mines, diesel submarines, and fast surface craft pose significant challenges. The Freedom-variant features a steel semi-planning monohull and an aluminum superstructure.

LCS can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.

Earlier Freedom-variant ships include, among others, the lead USS Freedom (LCS 1), and others like USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), USS Detroit (LCS 7), USS Wichita (LCS 13), USS Marinette (LCS 25), USS Nantucket (LCS 27), etc.