USS Constellation (FFG-62)

For other ships with the same name, see USS Constellation.

Artist rendering of the final Constellation-class design
History
United States
NameConstellation
NamesakeUSS Constellation
Awarded30 April 2020[1]
BuilderFincantieri Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wisconsin
Laid down12 April 2024[2]
Sponsored byMelissa Braithwaite
HomeportNS Everett, WA
IdentificationHull number: FFG-62
StatusUnder construction
General characteristics
Class and typeConstellation-class frigate
Displacement7,400 short tons (6,700 t)
Length496 ft (151.18 m)
Beam65 ft (19.81 m)
Draft18 ft (5.49 m)
PropulsionCODLAG 1 x General Electric LM2500+G4, 4 x Diesel Gensets - Rolls-Royce MTU 20V 4000 M53B engine 3000 kW for a Total output of 12 MW
Speedin excess of 26 kn (48 km/h; 30 mph)
Range6,000 nmi (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 16 kn (30 km/h; 18 mph) (electric drive)
Boats & landing
craft carried		2 × 7m or 2 x 11m rigid-hulled inflatable boats
Capacity200 accommodations
Complement140 crew
Sensors and
processing systems
Armament
Aircraft carried
Aviation facilitiesSecure & Traverse Aircraft Handling System * Horizontal Reference System * Night Vision Device Compatibility

USS Constellation (FFG-62)[1] will be the lead ship of the Constellation class of guided-missile frigates[3] and the fifth ship in the United States Navy bearing this name. She is named in honor of the first USS Constellation, one of the original six frigates of the United States Navy, which was named for the constellation of stars on the flag of the United States.[3] The ship will be sponsored by Melissa Braithwaite, the wife of Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite.[4]

Construction of Constellation began on 31 August 2022[5] and the keel was laid on 12 April 2024.[2] She was originally expected to enter service in 2026,[6] but due to design changes,[7] and projected service life limitations,[8] she isn't expected to be delivered until 2029.[9]

  1. ^ a b "Constellation (FFG-62)". Naval Vessel Register. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  2. ^ a b "SECNAV Del Toro Celebrates the Keel Laying of the Future USS Constellation (FFG 62)" (Press release). United States Navy. 12 April 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  3. ^ a b "SECNAV Names Navy's Newest Class of FFG(X) Ships" (Press release). United States Navy. 7 October 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  4. ^ "SECNAV Names Future Vessels while aboard Historic Navy Ship" (Press release). United States Navy. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2021.
  5. ^ Shelbourne, Mallory (31 August 202). "Fincantieri Begins Construction of First Constellation-class Frigate". USNI News. United States Naval Institute. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  6. ^ Ozberk, Tayfun (15 January 2022). "U.S. Navy's Constellation-Class: New Frigate To Start Construction This Year". Naval News. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  7. ^ Weichert, Brandon J. (22 July 2024). "The Navy's Constellation-Class Frigate Nightmare Won't Ever End". The National Interest. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  8. ^ LaGrone, Mallory Shelbourne and Sam (30 May 2024). "Constellation Frigate 'Unplanned Weight Growth' Could Limit Service Life, Says GAO". USNI News. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  9. ^ LaGrone, Mallory Shelbourne and Sam (2 April 2024). "Constellation Frigate Delivery Delayed 3 Years, Says Navy". USNI News. Retrieved 24 July 2024.