Mobile-based Austal USA celebrated the start of construction on the company’s fourth U.S. Navy Landing Craft Utility (LCU) at its ship manufacturing facility on December 18. Austal was awarded a $91.5-million contract in September 2023 that includes options for up to 12 LCUs and associated support efforts. Construction contracts have been awarded to Austal for five of the 12. LCUs are carried aboard amphibious assault ships to an objective area and used across a range of military operations to move vehicles, personnel and cargo between the ship and shore. LCU 1710, the first of four LCU vessels under construction at Austal, is scheduled for delivery in early 2026.