... The ship is the first in an entirely new class of U.S. Navy surface
warship designed to defeat enemy threats in shallow coastal waters....
Freedom is the Navy's first "focused-mission" ship. She will be used for
anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, mine warfare missions, and humanitarian relief.
The ship is 377 feet long with a beam of 57 feet. It's top speed will range from 45 to 60 knots, depending on load.
The ship's innovative design allows it to turn 360 degrees in less than eight lengths at top speed to accelerate to full speed in less than two minutes.
More of the day in the AT HOME IN MICHIGAN gallery
UPDATE: the NYTimes has an article criticizing the shipyard and the US Navy HERE