Montgomery, AL – Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus says he's naming one of three new littoral combat ships for the city of Montgomery.
The fast, agile ships are designed for maneuvering near shore. Mabus says he will visit Montgomery on Thursday to help mark the occasion. The other new ships will be named for Jackson, Miss, and Little Rock, Ark.
Mabus says the ships have a life expectancy of about 30 years and cities develop close connections with their namesakes.
Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said Tuesday that he's delighted by the news.
The defense contractor Austal will construct the $439 million ship in Mobile.
An earlier ship named for the city of Montgomery was built in 1891 and took part in the Spanish-American War.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)