Article Posted on : - Dec 06, 2010

The Lockheed Martin-led industry team today launched the nation’s third Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Fort Worth, at the Marinette Marine shipyard. A Lockheed Martin photo

MARINETTE, WISCONSIN (BNS): The Lockheed Martin-led industry team has launched the third Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Fort Worth, at the Marinette Marine shipyard.

The 389-foot Fort Worth was launched into the Menominee River. Just prior to its launch Saturday, the ship’s sponsor, Congresswoman Kay Granger of Texas, christened Fort Worth with the traditional smashing of a champagne bottle across the ship’s bow.

Fort Worth will continue to undergo outfitting and testing at Marinette Marine before delivery to the Navy in 2012.

“It is an incredibly rewarding experience to see Fort Worth launch into the water – on time and on budget,” said Orlando Carvalho, president of Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Sensors business.

“Serving as the USS Fort Worth’s sponsor is one of the proudest moments in my career,” Congresswoman Granger said.

The US Navy awarded the Lockheed Martin-led industry team a contract to construct Fort Worth in March 2009, a Lockheed Martin release said.