LCS 25 Keel Laying

Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine have begun the construction of a new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 25, the future USS Marinette.

The automated ship is equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute. It is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots. Also, 40 percent of the hull is reconfigurable, Lockheed Martin said in a statement Wednesday.

LCS 25 will be the 13th Freedom-variant LCS, and will join a class of more than 30 ships. It is one of seven ships in various stages of construction and test at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard.