The USS Freedom is a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), which was designed to provide assistance for the war on terror. The U.S. Navy considers the vessel to be fast enough to effectively battle the Somalia Pirates. The unique ship can be customized for a particular combat mission and then redesigned for a different role.News 8: New Revolutionary Navy Ship(May 5, 2009)
The ship will be introduced to the public in Alexandria, Virginia on May 8, 2009.
Technological Advances
Instead of needing a crew of 300 for a ship of this size, new technology provides for a ship that can function with a crew of 40. The gages on the ship can be watched from remote areas and joysticks control the vessel. The USS Freedom carries a boat that is unmanned and can be controlled remotely, to search for other ships that may be in the area.News 8: New Revolutionary Navy Ship(May 5, 2009)
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References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Second U.S. ship named Freedom
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Class
Littoral Combat Ship (Littoral is defined as coastal)
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Weight
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Length
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High speed
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Has a helipad on board
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Carries Raytheon missiles
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Can function with a 40 man crew
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Can change roles as a minesweeper, surface combatant or a submarine hunter, as neededNews 8: New Revolutionary Navy Ship(May 5, 2009)
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Uses electronic charting
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Unveiled in Alexandria, Virginia
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Was ordered by the George W. Bush administration
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When not on a mission, its home port will be in San Diego, California
