MARINETTE, WI (AP)-- Ships built at Wisconsin-based Marinette Marine Corp. are playing a crucial role in a strategic and volatile region in the Far East.
HTR Media reports that the company's ships used by the U.S. Navy have been involved in power struggles between Asian countries in disputed waters near the South China Sea. The crew of the USS Little Rock may face a similar situation after the vessel launches from Marinette Marine Corp.'s production facility along the Menominee River on Saturday.
The company is building 10 vessels for the Navy under its Littoral Combat Ship program. Six of the ships currently are under construction in Marinette, while two others already are in use.
The average cost of each ship is $360 million.