US NAVY LAUNCHES AND CHRISTENS FIRST LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP (LCS)From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs MARINETTE, Wis. (NNS) -- Thousands looked on Sept. 24, 2006, as the Navy christened and launched the nation's first littoral combat ship, Freedom (LCS 1), at the Marinette Marine shipyard. “Just a little more than three years ago she was just an idea, now Freedom stands before us. And on this morning, we christen her, send her down the ways and get her ready to join the fleet next year,” said Adm. Mike Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations. “It comes none too soon, because...