The eighth Independence-class littoral combat ship, the future USS Tulsa (LCS 16), has successfully completed acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico.
Shipbuilder Austal USA said this is the last significant milestone required by the US Navy before delivery of the vessel.
Working with the navy and industry, Austal ran acceptance trials demonstrating the successful operation of the ship's systems and equipment.
LCS 16 will be the second Independence-variant LCS delivered by Austal into service this year.
Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said six ships are currently under construction and a further two set to commence in the next year.
Charleston (LCS 18) is preparing for trials. Final assembly is under way on Cincinnati (LCS 20) and Kansas City (LCS 22). Modules for Oakland (LCS 24) and Mobile (LCS 26) are under construction in the modular manufacturing facility.
