US Navy Celebrates Keel Laying of 1st Constellation Class Frigate, the Future USS Constellation

The US Navy celebrated the keel laying of its new guided missile frigate, the USS Constellation of the Constellation Class.

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.

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

Construction of this agile vessel started in 2022, and the combat system's early integration testing continues.

Per sources, it might be delivered up to 3 years late.

The ship can conduct air, surface, anti-submarine, and electromagnetic maneuver warfare.

Its design is quite flexible and can be altered in the future to meet any other requirements.