As part of the $91.3 million contract, Austal USA of Mobile has begun construction of three landing craft for the U.S. Navy.

The contract also includes options for nine additional aircraft and associated support activities.

Ongoing production of the craft, formally known as the U.S. Navy Landing Craft Utility (LCU), is taking place at the company's steel shipbuilding line in Port City.

“The LCU provides strategic value and versatility to the Navy-Marine Corps team,” U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kirsten S. Heckle said at the commemorative event. “These landing craft will significantly enhance our sea-based Marine Air-Landmark Task Forces and Marine Expeditionary Forces, providing unmatched flexibility and the ability to maneuver Marines, sailors and equipment in environments that are otherwise inaccessible.”

The LCUs are loaded onto amphibious assault ships and transported to target areas and are used in a variety of military operations to transport vehicles, personnel and cargo from sea to shore and back again.

Dave Groden, Austal's vice president of newbuilding programs, also thinks the ship will have a big impact on supporting the military.

“Austal USA is honored to build this critical connector for the U.S. Navy,” said Groden. “We know the critical role this platform plays in supporting Navy and Marine Corps expeditionary operations and look forward to continuing to deliver ships and boats to our customers on time and on budget for years to come.”

“We are excited to see these vessels roll off the assembly line and join the fleet.”

Austal USA also currently builds two Navy Tow, Salvage and Salvage Vessels (T-ATS) and a 90,800 square foot auxiliary floating drydock medium vessel.

The company also has multi-vessel contracts for the Navy's TAGOS-25 ocean patrol vessels and the U.S. Coast Guard's Heritage-class offshore patrol vessel program.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News.