Lockheed Martin team lays keel on the future USS Milwaukee, the nation's fifth littoral combat ship

Posted by Skyler Frink

MARINETTE, WI, October 29, 2011. A Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led industry team held a keel-laying ceremony at Marinette Marine’s shipyard for the future USS Milwaukee, the U.S. Navy’s fifth Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).

The term, lay the keel, in shipbuilding language, means the beginning of a significant undertaking, which is the start of the module erection process that reflects the ship coming to life. Modern warships are now largely built in a series of pre-fabricated, complete hull sections rather than a single keel, so the actual start of the shipbuilding process is now considered to be when the first sheet of steel is cut. It is often marked with a ceremonial event.

During the ceremony, Senator Kohl authenticated the keel by having his signature welded into it. He was assisted by Executive Director of the Navy’s Program Executive Office – Littoral Combat Ships Anne Sandel and Marinette Marine Corporation’s Director of LCS programs, Jim LaCosse.

The Navy’s naming of the future USS Milwaukee continues the practice of designating LCSs after mid-sized American cities, small towns and communities.

The Lockheed Martin-led LCS team includes ship builder Marinette Marine Corporation, a Fincantieri company, naval architect Gibbs & Cox, as well as domestic and international teammates.