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Coronado III (LCS-4)

2014–2022

The third U.S. Navy ship named for the city in California. The first Coronado, a patrol escort (PF-38), was transferred to the Soviets from 1945–1949, and served from 1943–1953. The second Coronado, an amphibious transport dock (LPD-11), was reclassified to a miscellaneous command ship (AGF-11) in 1980, and served from 1970–2006. 

III 

(LCS-4: displacement 3,200; length 421.5'; beam 103.7'; draft 15.1'; speed 40+ knots; complement 40+ augmentees; armament 1 Mk 110 57 millimeter gun, RIM-116 SeaRAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) defense system, and 4 .50 caliber machine guns; aircraft 2 Sikorsky MH-60R/S Seahawks and 1 Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout; class Independence

The third Coronado (LCS-4) was authorized on 8 December 2006; cancelled on 1 November 2007; reauthorized on 1 May 2009; laid down on 17 December 2009 at Mobile, Ala., by Austal USA; launched on 11 January 2012; sponsored by Mrs. Susan R. Keith; delivered on 27 September 2013; and commissioned at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., on 5 April 2014, Cmdr. John Kochendorfer (Blue Crew), and Cmdr. Michael Johnston (Gold Crew), in command.

Coronado (LCS-4) Ship's Seal
Coronado (LCS-4) Ship's Seal

Shield

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the U.S. Navy. Gold is also emblematic of excellence and honor. The alternating blue and gold rope represents the original Blue and Gold crews of the ship, and their rotational/alternating responsibilities on the ship. The gold crown is adapted from the Coronado city seal, the namesake of the ship. The trident is a symbol of sea prowess; its three tines represent the mission support platforms of a littoral combat ship: mine countermeasures, antisubmarine warfare, and surface warfare. The lightning bolts highlight the ship’s high-speed capability and state-of-the-art electronics, establishing her as an agile and stealthy man-of-war. The stars commemorate the previous ships named Coronado, and the four battle stars awarded the first Coronado (PF-38), a frigate that served in the Pacific Campaign in World War II.

Crest

Coronado is a ship with a unique trimaran shaped hull, which is designed to defeat littoral threats and provide access and dominance in coastal waters.

Supporters

The crossed sword and cutlass symbolize the teamwork and cooperation demonstrated by Coronado's war team.

Coronado careens through her acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico, 23 August 2013. (U.S. Navy Photograph 130823-N-EW716-001, donated by Austal USA, Navy NewsStand)
Coronado careens through her acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico, 23 August 2013. (U.S. Navy Photograph 130823-N-EW716-001, donated by Austal USA, Navy NewsStand)

Detailed history pending. 

Mark L. Evans
5 February 2018

Published: Tue Jan 30 11:46:01 EST 2024