The U.S. Navy currently has 282 deployable ships and is close to achieving its aim of having a fleet of 313 ships. The lingering question on the minds of shipbuilders is: Will the service acquire more? Lockheed Martin Corporation has sent its first Littoral combat ship to the Navy with an estimated price tag of $550 million and the ability to move speedily in coastal waters to rescue the Marines.

In April, the Navy asked for bids from both Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics Corp. to build three more ships. The service has envisioned awarding a contract for two ships to the winning bidder, while the other company would build the third. A decision on the contract was expected by August, but it has yet to be awarded.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Victor Chen stated that the service is still in the process of making a decision on the next LCS ships, and would not comment any further.

The Navy initially awarded contracts for four Littoral combat ships, two each to General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin, the largest U.S. defense contractor. But last year, the service canceled contracts for the second ships with both companies after revised Navy requirements and material delays from subcontractors led to significant cost overruns.

“Despite our challenges, the Navy and industry have continued to press on to build and deliver the first ship of a unique class,” Capt. James Murdoch, the Navy’s LCS program manager, announced.

Navy crews will currently move aboard the first LCS and prepare the vessel to depart Marinette Marine, Wisconsin, for Milwaukee, the location of the ship’s November 8 commissioning. Prior to delivery, the ship underwent Navy inspections and vigorous testing to authorize its capability.

General Dynamics’ ship is being built in a shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, and is scheduled to be christened next month. No delivery date has been announced.