About

The future USS Jackson (LCS 6) is the 6th Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and the 3rd of the Independence variant.

December 29, 2010 -- As prime contractor, Austal USA awarded U.S. Navy contract to construct one Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).

March 25, 2011 -- Austal hosted a visit by the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus on Friday, March 25. He was joined by U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, Congressman Jo Bonner, Austal USA President and Chief Operating Officer, Joe Rella, and Mobile Mayor Sam Jones in formally announcing the names that he has selected for the first two Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) of the recently awarded 10-ship contract to Austal. LCS 6 will be named USS Jackson.

August 2, 2011 -- Austal is proud to announce that the first aluminum has been cut for Austal USA's third Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the Jackson (LCS 6). The Navy issued instructions to move ahead with production.

October 18, 2012 -- Austal held a keel-laying ceremony. Dr. Katherine Holmes Cochran, the ship's sponsor, was present to weld her initials onto the keel plate as the Keel Authenticator. -- Dr. Cochran is the daughter of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) who was present at the ceremony.