The U.S. Navy commissioned its 16th littoral combat ship during a ceremony on March 2 at the Columbus Street Terminal in Charleston, South Carolina. USS Charleston, also known as LCS 18, was part of a commissioning ceremony held before 5,000 guests including Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, the Navy said Sunday.
The vessel is the ninth Independence variant ship in the fleet, and it succeeds five previous ships that carried Charleston’s name throughout history including the Spanish-American War, both World Wars and the Vietnam War.
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., delivered the ceremony’s principal address. Charlotte Riley, wife of former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, ordered the activation of LCS 18 as the ship’s sponsor.
“USS Charleston has the ability to tackle asymmetrical threats like mines, quiet diesel submarines and at the same time, fast surface ships,†Scott said.
The Navy will move USS Charleston to Naval Base San Diego where the ship will remain in port along with other units assigned to LCS Squadron 1.
