The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) prepares for builder's trials from the Austal USA shipbuilding facility in Mobile, Ala.

MOBILE, Ala. (Jul. 02, 2009) The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) prepares for builder's trials from the Austal USA shipbuilding facility in Mobile, Ala. Builder's trials is the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provides an opportunity to test and correct issues prior to acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dave Hinds General Dynamics) File# 090628-N-XXXXH-001