The final Freedom-class littoral combat ship of the U.S. Navy has officially arrived in Cleveland, Ohio, as preparations ramp up for its commissioning ceremony. This event marks a historic moment, as it will be the first time a U.S. surface combatant is commissioned in the Buckeye State, according to local reports.
Named USS Cleveland (LCS 31), the ship is the fourth vessel in naval history to carry the Cleveland name. This tradition includes an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned in 1967, a Cleveland-class light cruiser that served during World War II, and a Denver-class protected cruiser launched in 1903.
The USS Cleveland represents the 16th hull in the Freedom series and the 31st planned system within the broader littoral combat ship initiative of the Navy. Following its commissioning, the ship will be homeported in Mayport, Florida, and will engage in various missions, including “forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence in key operational theaters,” as confirmed by the Navy during its delivery announcement in November 2025.
The Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship features a robust design constructed with a combination of steel and aluminum. Measuring 378 feet (115 meters) in length, with a beam of 104 feet (32 meters), the ship can accommodate a crew of over 100 sailors. Its arsenal includes advanced electronic warfare and decoy systems, a 57-millimeter automatic naval gun, multiple machine guns, and anti-armor missiles, alongside a 150-kilowatt high-energy laser weapon.
In addition to its impressive armament, the ship’s deck is designed to support an SH-60 Seahawk helicopter and two vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial systems, enhancing its capabilities for airborne reconnaissance and logistical support.
For propulsion, the Freedom-class vessel is equipped with four waterjets and powered by two Rolls-Royce gas turbines that generate a combined output of 48,000 horsepower, along with twin Colt-Pielstick diesel engines producing an additional 9,100 horsepower. This configuration allows the ship to reach speeds exceeding 40 knots (46 mph or 74 km/h) and a substantial operational range of 3,500 nautical miles (4,028 miles or 6,482 kilometers).
As the USS Cleveland prepares for its formal introduction into the fleet, it symbolizes a significant advancement in maritime warfare capabilities for the U.S. Navy, highlighting the service’s commitment to modernization and readiness in today’s evolving security landscape.
