U.S Navy Celebrates Keel Laying of First Constellation Class Frigate, the Future USS Constellation

The U.S. Navy celebrated the keel laying of its new guided missile frigate, the USS Constellation, which belongs to the Constellation Class.

The vessel is also the first of its class, and Fincantieri Marinette Marine was awarded the contract for its construction in 2020.

Secretary of the Navy Del Toro said that the USS Constellation and other class frigates are vital for the country’s surface ship inventory. They also increase the Navy’s strength as more ships are available and ready to be deployed to missions.

Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti was also present on the joyous occasion and said that the frigate is critical and will put more players in the field.

The ship’s sponsor is Melissa Braithwaite, spouse of former Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite, who named it in 2020.

This Guided Missile Frigate (FFG 62) of the Constellation Class is the Navy’s next-generation surface combatant. It will be a warship capable of going on multiple missions in blue-water and littoral environments, offering a forward presence in combat, which is a significant advantage.

The construction of this agile vessel started in 2022, and the early integration testing of the combat system continues along with its propulsion equipment and associated networks. Per sources, it might be delivered up to 3 years late.

The ship can conduct air, surface, anti-submarine and electromagnetic manoeuvre warfare. Hence, it is fitted with an Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar, an Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, a communications system, a Baseline Ten Aegis Combat System, etc. Its design is quite flexible and can be altered in future to meet any other requirements as well.

References: Naval news, navy.mil

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