USS Freedom

Any new Naval system is bound to be interesting, and the first Littoral Combat Ship is a very intriguing new platform, with a variety of features for many purposes. Thanks to USMC_Vet at The Word Unheard for posting about the keel being laid for this new ship. Make sure you read his post, which includes graphics describing the ship's capabilities. The really excellent news here is the person chosen by the Secretary of the Navy as the ship's sponsor -- Mrs. Birgit Smith. Mrs. Smith is the widow of Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on April 4th for his actions ... Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003