Navy to commission future littoral combat ship (LCS) Santa Barbara. 

The ship is to be christened in San Diego, California on May 16th.

The Ship was built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama.

Santa Barbara will be the 18th LCS to be commissioned into the Navy.

LCS ships are designed for littoral zone operations, such as near shore anti-submarine warfare.

It is Designed to operate independently, or as part of a larger force.

Santa Barbara to be named in honor of Santa Barbara, California.

The Ship is 383 feet long, has a beam of 57.4 feet, and a displacement of 3,300 tons.

It is powered by four Colt-Pielstick diesel engines, two gas turbines, and waterjets.

The USS Santa Barbara is capable of speeds up to 40 knots (46 mph).

It will be armed with surface-to-surface missiles, anti-submarine rockets, and a 57mm gun.

Santa Barbara is to operate with a crew of 75 sailors.

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