By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kenneth R. Hendrix, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs
BOSTON (NNS) -- The new littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) sailed into the Charlestown Navy Yard Dec. 5 ready to show Boston the future of the Navy.
Freedom is the first of two littoral combat ships of her type completed. Her sister ship, USS Independence (LCS 2) was christened Oct. 4, in Mobile, Ala.
LCS is a vital component of the cooperative strategy for 21st century sea power. This maritime strategy states that preventing wars is as important as winning them and calls upon the Navy to project presence and power in littoral areas.
Freedom re-entered American waterways after her recent port visit in Halifax, Nova Scotia Dec. 4, bringing the ship's transit through the Saint Lawrence Seaway in Canada to an end as she continues her journey to Norfolk.
The path Freedom took through Canada was a first for many Sailors aboard including Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 1st Class (SW) Dennis Whitley.
"It was nice to see how our neighboring country Canada lives," Whitley said. "Even though it was cold, Québec City was cool to visit because you get to experience the French lifestyle of living."
As Freedom made her way through Massachusetts Bay into Boston Harbor, Chief Damage Controlman (SW/FMF) Craig Cole, an Essex, Mass. native, pointed out various landmarks to the crew while on the flight deck.
"I saw a lot of ships pull into this harbor when I was assigned to the Constitution," Cole said. "I've always wanted to have the opportunity to be able to sail into Boston myself one day aboard a modern Navy vessel."
Once Freedom reached her docking destination, she set anchor and moored behind USS Constitution. The Navy's oldest commissioned ship shared a pier with the Navy's newest.
The ship will be open to the public during her visit in Boston with crew members showing off the ship's nautical and airborne capabilities.