Modern Class Navy Warship Coronado
By James Donahue
Since she joined the new class of Naval warships in 2015 the Independence-class littoral combat ship Coronado has been proving her potential worth in waters throughout the world. Designed for use by the U.S. Army in defeating coastal threats and providing approachable access for naval missions, this amazing 418-foot-long ship can be equipped with deadly cannon, various aircraft and fighting Marines in combat situations.
Powered by two General Electric gas turbines and retractable Azimuth thrusters, the Coronado can reach speeds of 54 miles per hour. She is manned by a crew of eight officers and 32 enlisted sailors, and carry up to 35 Marines on special missions.
The ship also has a landing pad that accommodates two Seahawk helicopters and a Northrop Grumman unmanned Fire Scout helicopter. The deadly cannon on this ship includes a Harpoon Block missile launcher aided by a radar system equipped with an over-the-horizon anti-ship capability.
During its testing operations Coronado proved the ability to rapidly stage and deploy Marine ground units. Its light attack helicopters are capable of conducting day and night deck-launching operations in the event of airborne raids. Her reconfigured mission bay can support air and small-boat employment and delivery of Marine ground and air tactical units.
Coronado is the second Independence-class littoral combat ship to be added to the Navy fleet. She is the first ship of its class to carry 23-foot rigid-hulled inflatable boats. The builders at Austal USA also gave her corrosion protection and propulsion over the original design. The hull was launched in 2012 in Mobile, Alabama.
She is the fourth naval vessel to carry the Name Coronado.
By James Donahue
Since she joined the new class of Naval warships in 2015 the Independence-class littoral combat ship Coronado has been proving her potential worth in waters throughout the world. Designed for use by the U.S. Army in defeating coastal threats and providing approachable access for naval missions, this amazing 418-foot-long ship can be equipped with deadly cannon, various aircraft and fighting Marines in combat situations.
Powered by two General Electric gas turbines and retractable Azimuth thrusters, the Coronado can reach speeds of 54 miles per hour. She is manned by a crew of eight officers and 32 enlisted sailors, and carry up to 35 Marines on special missions.
The ship also has a landing pad that accommodates two Seahawk helicopters and a Northrop Grumman unmanned Fire Scout helicopter. The deadly cannon on this ship includes a Harpoon Block missile launcher aided by a radar system equipped with an over-the-horizon anti-ship capability.
During its testing operations Coronado proved the ability to rapidly stage and deploy Marine ground units. Its light attack helicopters are capable of conducting day and night deck-launching operations in the event of airborne raids. Her reconfigured mission bay can support air and small-boat employment and delivery of Marine ground and air tactical units.
Coronado is the second Independence-class littoral combat ship to be added to the Navy fleet. She is the first ship of its class to carry 23-foot rigid-hulled inflatable boats. The builders at Austal USA also gave her corrosion protection and propulsion over the original design. The hull was launched in 2012 in Mobile, Alabama.
She is the fourth naval vessel to carry the Name Coronado.