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The United States (U.S.) Department of the Navy (Navy), Naval Sea Systems Command, Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) Program is developing the replacement class for the existing fleet of LCU vessels, which are past their planned design service life. The LCU vessel is a surface connector whose mission is to transport equipment and troops to the shore, along the shore, and from the shore back to the amphibious warships. LCUs may also be used to support civilian humanitarian and maritime operations. The Proposed Action is to conduct underway towing, bow ramp, and anchor demonstrations of the LCU 1700 class vessels (approximately 12 vessels) within Mobile Bay, Alabama, and in nearshore waters off the Gulf coast of Alabama. Specific testing would be conducted by the builder, Austal United States of America, and includes the following: (1) underway towing demonstrations; (2) bow ramp demonstrations and; (3) anchor demonstrations.

The U.S. Navy invites you to participate in the National Environmental Policy Act process for the Underway Towing, Bow Ramp, and Anchor Demonstrations for Landing Craft Utility Vessels in Alabama Environmental Assessment (EA) during the public comment period. The menu on the left side of the screen will have the current draft EA, and the Public Comment button will be activated during the comment period.