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

September 2, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Austal USA has launched the company’s first landing craft utility (LCU) vessel built for the US Navy at its ship manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama.

The launching ceremony took place on August 22, 2025. LCU 1710 is the first of 12 new LCUs under contract at Austal USA, a part of a $91.5 million deal awarded by the navy in 2023.

Austal to construct two more LCU 1700 vessels for US Navy

Vessels

LCUs are carried aboard 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.

These connectors provide a heavy-lift capability and can carry about the same payload capacity as several C-17 aircraft.

The vessels have a roll-on / roll-off monohull configuration with hydraulically controlled bow and stern ramps that allow multiple vessels to connect and form a causeway for fast and secure unloading and loading, according to Austal.

They are designed to be transported within and load/unload from the well decks of amphibious assault ships, carrying loads up to 3.5 meters high, above the vessel’s vehicle deck. With a crew of 13, each vessel can conduct independent open ocean transits or operations at sea with a range of 1,200 nautical miles (at 8kn) and a top speed of 11 knots.

The company has three LCU under construction.

“I am proud of the LCU program team for the hard work they’ve put forth to reach this important milestone,” stated Michelle Kruger, Austal USA President.

“LCU is an important program that plays a critical role in supporting expeditionary operations for the Navy and Marine Corps. Each milestone achieved shores up our position as a key contributor to the strength and success of the maritime industrial base.”

LCU is one of three shipbuilding programs in serial production at Austal USA’s facility. The company also has three Navy Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue ships (T-ATS) and two U.S. Coast Guard Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC) under construction.