The first of four Holland-class offshore patrol vessels for the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) was launched at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding's facility in Vlissingen on 2 February. Holland (P 840) will complete outfitting and begin sea acceptance trials in September or October. Delivery to the RNLN is expected at the end of the year.rnThe first Lockheed Martin-designed Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) frigate, USS Freedom (LCS 1), departed Naval Station Mayport, Florida, on 16 February for its maiden deployment with the US Navy's Southern Command: two years ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the navy commissioned the first General Dynamics-designed ship, USS Independence (LCS 2) in a ceremony at Austal USA's shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, on 16 January.
展开▼
