USS Detroit Underway, Forward Deployed

USS Detroit (LCS 7) completed a major milestone when it got underway as scheduled Oct. 31, becoming the first Freedom-variant block-buy East Coast littoral combat ship (LCS) deployer. 

To ensure the 4th Fleet’s newest asset was ready on time, the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC) dry-docked Detroit eight months ago and performed maintenance and repairs to ship systems. 

Typical of any preparation for an extended deployment, repairs, certifications and “grooms,” or system checks, were performed on the main propulsion diesel engines; the Machinery Plant Control and Monitoring System (MPCMS); Launch, Recovery, Handling, Stowage (LRHS) system; Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN); waterborne vehicle tow winch; Aircraft Electrical Servicing Station (AESS); and the rescue boat davit.

Detroit also received a critical upgrade to the computer network to harden it against cyberattack, new number 1 A/C condensers and compressors, all new shock mounts for the ship’s service diesel generators and new waterjet flexible hoses.

Cmdr. Howard Meehan, USS Detroit commanding officer said, “I want to highlight the outstanding support we’ve received from SERMC. Your team spent countless hours troubleshooting and repairing various critical and time sensitive material engineering issues. Their expertise, willingness to help, and diligent efforts are truly noteworthy. Simply put, we wouldn’t be getting underway without them!”

Detroit is deployed to South and Central America to conduct counter-drug missions in the near future. USS Little Rock (LCS 9) will be the second LCS to deploy from Mayport, sometime in early 2020.