Future USS Coronado Launches with Thrustmaster

Thrustmaster of Texas is awarded contract for LCS 6 and LCS 8

In a time-honored ceremony, amid much pomp and tradition, the majestic 418-foot trimaran built by Austal in Mobile, Alabama officially became the future USS CORONADO (LCS 4).

With a Thrustmaster hydraulic retractable azimuthing thruster under her bow, the U.S. Navy’s newest ship was christened before hundreds of distinguished guests and navy brass.  The CORONADO is the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) that Thrustmaster of Texas has provided with secondary propulsion equipment.  The first, USS INDEPENDENCE (LCS 2), was commissioned in January of 2010 and is now fully operational.

On the heels of this momentous event, Thrustmaster of Texas is also announcing the receipt of an additional order from Austal for two retractable hydraulic thrusters for LCS 6 and LCS 8.  LCS 6 will be named USS JACKSON, and LCS 8 will be named USS MONTGOMERY.  The retractable azimuthing thruster gives the ship’s captain more maneuverability at low speeds and provides a second-chance propulsion system during combat. 

“The U.S. Navy’s vote of confidence for Thrustmaster’s advanced marine propulsion systems is something we are very proud of here in Houston,” said Kendall Baudoin, Sales Manager of Military and Government Accounts at Thrustmaster of Texas.  “Not only is Thrustmaster of Texas a world leader in design and manufacture of retractable thrusters, but we are also the only U.S.-based manufacturer of such equipment.  Our partnership with the U.S. Navy seems only natural.”