Steel cut on US Navy’s new LCU 1700-class vessel

May 5, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Austal USA marked the start of construction on its fifth US Navy landing craft utility (LCU) 1700-class vessel, LCU 1714, at its Mobile, Alabama, ship manufacturing facility on April 27, 2026.

Austal USA was awarded a $91.5 million contract in September 2023 for the design and construction of up to 12 LCUs and associated support efforts. Currently, five construction contracts have been awarded to Austal USA.

“Austal USA is proud to continue advancing the LCU program with the start of construction on LCU 1714,” said Bill Bingle, acting vice president of surface ship programs.

“This milestone reflects the strength of our serial production approach and the dedication of our workforce to delivering high-quality ships that support critical Navy and Marine Corps missions.”

LCU vessels are deployed from the navy’s amphibious assault ships and operate across a wide range of missions, transporting Marine Corps vehicles, equipment and personnel from ship to shore and back. These platforms provide significant heavy-lift capability, carrying payloads comparable to multiple C-17 aircraft, according to the company.

LCU 1710, the first vessel in the program constructed at Austal USA, recently conducted acceptance trials and will be delivered to the navy soon.

Austal USA launches first of 12 new LCU vessels for US Navy

Vessels

The LCU program is one of three ship platforms under serial production at Austal USA. In total, 12 ships are under construction across the company’s programs, with three vessels preparing for sea trials.