Government Boats 60

For the past week on AIS, this has been “govt vessel 5,” and she’s currently in Stapleton taking on fuel.

Clearly she’s a Freedom-class LCS, with its distinctive bow-low profile.   It’s powered by four engines:  2 x Fairbanks Morse/ Colt-Pielstick 9,100 hp diesels plus two 2 x Rolls-Royce 48,000 hp gas turbines run through four Rolls-Royce/Kamewa waterjets.  For routine cruising, I was told on my tour yesterday, only the diesels run.  For sprints, all four are on line.

Tours were open to the public in Stapleton the past few days.

The vessel has no curves, but neither does it have many right angles.

 

 

The explanation offered for the large flight deck is that as a relatively small vessel, it rolls/pitches/etc. in a sea.  The additional space is appreciated by helicopter and drone operators. 

I’d love to have seen the engine room, but this is as close to the engine I got.

Here’s the view back toward the bridge, as seen from between the anchor machinery and the deck gun.

And finally, some views from the helm and

assorted screen, indicators, and the four engine controls.

All photos, WVD.

Below is an article from Saturday’s NYTimes, and the women of the fleet.