The United States Navy, in a strategic move to fortify its presence in the Indo-Pacific and enhance its maritime capabilities, has made a significant investment in the future of naval warfare with the Constellation-class frigate program.

With an eye toward potential conflicts in the region, the Navy awarded Marinette Marine a substantial $1 billion contract to construct two additional state-of-the-art warships, showcasing a robust commitment to maritime readiness and defense.

These cutting-edge vessels are a testament to the Navy’s determination to adapt and evolve, heralding a new era for its small surface combatants.

Designed for versatility, the Constellation-class frigates are well-equipped for open water and littoral environments, fulfilling a wide range of warfare roles, including air, anti-submarine, surface, and electromagnetic warfare. Among their advanced systems are the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar, Aegis Combat System, and Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, which position them at the forefront of naval technology.

The keel laying ceremony for the lead ship, the future USS Constellation (FFG 62), marked a foundational step in the construction of this formidable class of ships.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, the Program Executive Officer for Unmanned and Small Combatants, emphasized the importance of delivering a technologically advanced platform to support the Navy’s missions well into the future.

According to the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, “This ship will be critical in putting more players on the field.” The Constellation-class frigates carry the legacy of their namesake, the first USS Constellation, a historic vessel authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, ensuring the continuity of American naval excellence.

Underlining the fleet’s modernization efforts, Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, highlighted the frigates’ role in “increasing the number of players on the field available globally for our fleet and combatant commanders.” These warships are seen as a pivotal addition in the strategic balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

The USS Constellation is slated for initial capability by 2026, with the program planning to construct up to 20 vessels in total. Each ship following the first will have a cost of around $1 billion, reflecting the investment in their sophisticated capabilities. The Navy’s commitment to this program is a clear signal that it is preparing for future challenges by ensuring its ability to project power and maintain superiority at sea.

The Constellation-class frigates represent a strategic pivot from the Navy’s prior focus during the Global War on Terror to the emerging necessity of maritime control in potential conflict zones.

Their multi-mission capacity encompasses air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare, allowing them to undertake both offensive and defensive operations with agility and strength. These vessels stand ready to maintain the free flow of American commerce by sea and ensure a combat-credible forward presence, delivering a clear military advantage.

While the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program initially aimed to fill capability gaps left by the retirement of previous classes, its challenges have led to early retirements and questions regarding platform suitability and survivability.

This prompted the initiation of the Constellation-class program, which promises enhanced capability and survivability at a higher cost, but with a much larger warship capable of delivering greater capability.

As geopolitical dynamics shift and the U.S. Navy adapts to emerging threats, the Constellation-class frigates embody the Navy’s forward-thinking approach to maritime strategy and defense, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of naval power.

With their advanced technology and versatile capabilities, these frigates are set to become the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s small surface combatant fleet for decades to come, solidifying America’s naval dominance and strategic deterrence in uncertain times.

Relevant articles:
– Constellation-class Frigates: The U.S. Navy Warship That Does It All, The National Interest
– Fincantieri Lays Keel of First Constellation, Naval News
– US Navy states fourth Constellation-class frigate to commission in 2029, Naval Technology
– U.S. Navy Commemorates Keel Laying Ceremony for Constellation-Class Guided-Missile Frigate (FFG 62), United States Navy (.mil)