Austal Launches 2nd Littoral Combat Ship CORONADO (LCS 4) Mobile, Alabama-based Austal USA successfully launched the second 127-meter Independence-Variant Littoral Combat Ship, Coronado (LCS 4). In reference to the success of the Coronado launch, Joe Rella, Austal USA President and Chief Operating Officer, had this to say, "The success of this major milestone in the life of not only this vessel but of the entire Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program is a testament to Austal's highly skilled craftsmen and women. Launch occurs when a ship is complete enough to safely be waterborne. At almost 90 percent complete the Coronado will rapidly be approaching sea trials later this year speeding it along its way to completion and final delivery to the Navy."