USS Savannah (LCS-28)

USS Savannah (LCS-28)

The USS Savannah (LCS-28) is the twenty-eighth littoral combat ship in the U.S. Navy and the fourteenth Freedom-class monohull variant. Built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine and commissioned in late 2022, Savannah brings high speed, shallow-water agility, and modular mission payloads to coastal and littoral operations. Her steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and low-observable shaping allow rapid reconfiguration between surface, anti-submarine, and mine-countermeasure roles, all while carrying an embarked aviation detachment and unmanned vehicles.

Design and Mission

Mission Profile

• Conduct surface warfare against small, fast targets using precision missiles and gunfire
• Hunt submarines in littoral and open-ocean environments with embarked helicopters, towed sonar arrays, and autonomous sensors
• Sweep and neutralize sea mines with unmanned vehicles and airborne mine countermeasure systems
• Perform maritime security, coastal surveillance, and partner-nation engagement missions

Hull and Superstructure

Savannah’s steel monohull measures 118 meters overall and features a tumblehome form to reduce radar cross section. Her aluminum-alloy superstructure employs angular panels, enclosed mast spaces, and infrared-suppressive exhaust to lower her signatures. A flared bow and bulbous forefoot improve seakeeping in 3–5 foot seas, while a retractable centerline skeg stabilizes flight operations in moderate sea states.

Propulsion and Performance

Propulsion System

Savannah uses a combined diesel and gas (CODELOD) arrangement driving twin waterjets. Two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines (each generating 36 MW) provide sprint capability, while two MTU 20V 4000 M53B diesel engines (each 4 MW) supply efficient cruising power. A power-take-in/power-take-out gearbox seamlessly transitions between modes and feeds hotel loads when engines are offline.

Performance Metrics

• Maximum speed: 40+ knots
• Cruising range: 3,500 nautical miles at 18 knots
• Endurance: 21 days without replenishment
• Draft: 3.8 meters for access to shallow ports and waterways

Armament and Defensive Systems

Core Weapon Systems

• 1× 57 mm Mk 110 naval gun capable of 220 rounds per minute
• 1× 11-cell Rolling Airframe Missile (SeaRAM) launcher for short-range air and missile defense
• 2× 30 mm Mk 44 remote-weapon stations for point defense
• Four .50-caliber heavy machine guns and small-arms mounts

Mission Module Configurations

Savannah’s 60-ton modular bay can be reconfigured within 24 hours to host one of three packages:

• Surface Warfare: Over-the-horizon anti-ship missiles, long-range electro-optic targeting, and rapid-launch uncrewed boats
• Anti-Submarine Warfare: Variable-depth sonar, towed arrays, and embarked MH-60R helicopters
• Mine Countermeasures: Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and airborne mine neutralizers

Aviation and Boat Facilities

Flight Deck and Hangar

A full-width flight deck aft supports simultaneous operations of one MH-60 Seahawk and one MQ-8C Fire Scout UAV. The enclosed hangar stores, maintains, and refuels up to 87,000 pounds of JP-5 fuel, with an integrated traversing system to move aircraft safely between hangar and deck.

Boat and UUV Handling

A stern launch ramp and side door allow rapid deployment of two RHIBs or multiple USVs. Hydraulic handling trailers and overhead cranes manage payloads and mission-package modules directly from the mission bay to the waterline.

Sensors and Electronic Suite

Radar and Fire Control

• Thales TRS-4D AESA radar for simultaneous air and surface tracking
• Raytheon CEA2 combat management system with Link 16 and Cooperative Engagement Capability
• Saab CEROS 200 gun and missile fire-control director

Acoustic and Electronic Support Measures

• Hull-mounted sonar array and deployable towed array in ASW module
• AN/SLQ-25 Nixie towed decoy for torpedo defense
• Electronic support measures suite for detection and classification of radar and communications emissions

Crew and Accommodations

Core Crew and Mission Specialists

Savannah sails with a core crew of 50 sailors augmented by up to 35 mission-package specialists. Rotational watch teams maintain continuous engineering, navigation, aviation, and combat systems operations.

Habitability Features

Crew berthing is arranged in modular rack-style cabins with private lockers and climate control. Shared spaces include a combined mess and recreation area, fitness corner, medical suite, and laundry. The design emphasizes quick transitions between high-tempo mission periods and crew rest.

Damage Control and Survivability

Stealth and Signature Reduction

Savannah’s angular geometry, radar-absorbent coatings, heat-suppressive exhaust, and waterjet propulsion all contribute to a reduced acoustic, infrared, and radar signature across multiple spectrums.

Damage Control Systems

Advanced automated panels monitor firemain pressure, flooding sensors, and ventilation throughout the ship. Quick-response deluge stations, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam dispensers, and redundant fire pumps ensure rapid containment of onboard emergencies.

Technical Specifications Summary

USS Savannah’s blend of speed, modularity, and low signatures positions her at the forefront of 21st-century littoral operations, ready to switch roles in hours and project power from the sea’s edge to well offshore.