Independence Begins Industrial Post-Delivery Availability

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- USS Independence (LCS 2) began its first industrial post-delivery availability (IPDA) at the BAE Ship Repair Yard in Norfolk, Va., May 6.

The IPDA is a planned event in the ship's post-delivery period.

During the availability, Independence will implement launch recovery and handling system improvements and complete installation of commercial broadband satellite program systems. USS Freedom (LCS 1) underwent a similar shipyard period in 2009.

"We are working quickly and efficiently to prepare this ship for operational tasking," said Rear Adm. Jim Murdoch, littoral combat ship (LCS) program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "Just like her sister ship USS Freedom, LCS 2 is going to bring an incredible capability to the Navy, and we're committed to making sure the ship is fully prepared for everything it may be called upon to do."

Prior to the availability, Independence completed structural test firing (STF) exercises. The STF exercise was held to test the ship's weapon systems to ensure they operate as installed and integrated with the hull structure. During the tests, Independence successfully tested its 57mm guns, SeaRAM missiles and identification friend-or-foe system

Following the completion of the IPDA in August 2010, USS Independence will continue conducting post-delivery tests and trials designed to further test the ship's systems and familiarize the crew with the unique hull form and operating concept.

LCS is a new breed of U.S. Navy warship with versatile warfighting capabilities, capable of open-ocean operation but optimized for littoral, or coastal, missions. Operational experience and analyses indicate that potential adversaries will employ asymmetric means to deny U.S. and allied forces access into critical coastal regions, such as strategic chokepoints and vital economic sea lanes. LCS is specifically designed to defeat such "anti-access" threats, which include fast surface craft, quiet diesel submarines and various types of mines.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all major surface combatants, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.