In order to operate more effectively in coastal (littoral – near shore) waters, the US Navy has created a new class of littoral combat ship, of which the first mission test bed version was the Sea Fighter. It is a high-speed aluminum catamaran that will test a variety of technologies designed for greater operational effectiveness when operating in littoral waters. Built by Nicholas Bros, Freeland, Washington, USA, and launched on 5 February 2005, it has been in service since May 2005. It weighs 950 tons, is 79.9 metres (262 feet) long with a beam of 22 metres (72 feet) and has a top speed in the region of 50 knots (90 km/hr). It has a range of 4,400 nautical miles, a crew of 26 and 2 helipads. The first commissioned littoral combat ship is the USS Freedom based on a Lockheed Martin design. USS Freedom is a fast, agile vessel designed for operaton in the near shore environment and is also capable of open ocean operation. It can be equipped with different mission packages and is capable of mine sweeping, anti submarine operations and action against fast surface vessels. The keel was laid down on 2 June 2005 at Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wisconsin, USA. Launched on 24 September 2006, it was commissioned on 8 November 2008. With a displacement of 3,089 tons full load, a length of 115.5 metres (379 feet) a beam of 13.1 metres (43 feet), a range of 3,500 nautical miles at 18 knots and a top speed of 45 knots, it is the most capable inshore vessel afloat today. It has a crew of 50. Up to 55 ships probably with more advanced hull designs are planned for this role.