Lockheed Martin Receives $279 Million Funding For Freedom-Variant Littoral Combat Ship

Lockheed Martin has received the remaining funding of $279 million for the construction of the future USS Cooperstown (LCS 23) from the US Navy, the company press release said.

The advanced procurement funding of $79 million approved by the Congress was first awarded to Lockheed Martin-led team in March 2015.

"By providing this funding, the Navy demonstrates its commitment to the Lockheed Martin-led team in building the advanced Freedom-variant littoral combat ship," said Joe North, vice president of Littoral Ships and Systems at Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training. "We have delivered three of these ships to the fleet so far, and we stand committed on the remaining block buy deliveries."

The award comes just days after the Navy commissioned the Freedom-variant USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) in the city of Milwaukee.

The Lockheed Martin-led industry team, which includes shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine and naval architect Gibbs & Cox, has already delivered three Freedom-variant littoral combat ships to the U.S. Navy. USS Freedom conducted a successful deployment toSoutheast Asia in 2013 and is currently operating out of her homeport in San Diego. USS Fort Worth is currently deployed in Southeast Asia, serving in the U.S. 7th Fleet.