Independence-class littoral combat ship
{{Short description|US Navy small coastal combat ships}}
{{For-multi|the class of aircraft carrier|Independence-class aircraft carrier|the Singaporean ship class|Independence-class littoral mission vessel}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
The Independence class is a class of littoral combat ships built for the United States Navy.
The hull design evolved from a project at Austal to design a high speed, {{convert|40|knot|adj=on}} cruise ship. That hull design evolved into the high-speed trimaran ferry {{ship|HSC|Benchijigua Express||6}} and the Independence class was then proposed by General Dynamics and Austal as a contender for Navy plans to build a fleet of smaller, agile, multipurpose warships to operate nearshore in the littoral zone. Initially two ships were approved, to compete with Lockheed Martin's {{sclass|Freedom|littoral combat ship|0}} design.
Despite initial plans to only build ships of the winner out of the two competing Independence or Freedom classes, in 2010 the Navy announced plans to order up to ten additional ships of each class, for a total 12 ships per class.{{cite press release |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=57917 |title=Littoral Combat Ship Contract Award Announced |author=Special from Navy Office of Information |publisher=Navy News Service |id=NNS101229-09 |date=29 December 2010 |access-date=30 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925220022/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=57917 |archive-date=25 September 2015 |url-status=dead }} In March 2016 the Navy announced their intention to order an additional two ships, increasing the order to 13 ships of each class.{{cite news|last1=Sick|first1=Hope Hodge|title=Two More Littoral Combat Ships Under Contract|url=http://www.dodbuzz.com/2016/04/01/two-more-littoral-combat-ships-under-contract/|access-date=25 November 2016|work=DoD Buzz|publisher=Military.com|date=1 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126065329/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2016/04/01/two-more-littoral-combat-ships-under-contract/|archive-date=26 November 2016|url-status=dead}}
It was announced in early September 2016 that the first four vessels of the LCS program would be used as test ships rather than being deployed with the fleet.{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/US_Navy_announces_Littoral_Combat_Ship_program_overhaul_999.html|title=U.S. Navy announces Littoral Combat Ship program overhaul|access-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916041024/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/US_Navy_announces_Littoral_Combat_Ship_program_overhaul_999.html|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/12/politics/us-navy-littoral-combat-ship-overhaul/index.html|title=US Navy overhauls troubled littoral combat ship program|first1=Brad|last1=Lendon|first2=Ryan|last2=Browne|website=CNN|date=12 September 2016|access-date=13 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827085236/http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/12/politics/us-navy-littoral-combat-ship-overhaul/index.html|archive-date=27 August 2017|url-status=live}} This includes lead ship {{USS|Independence|LCS-2|2}} and {{USS|Coronado|LCS-4|2}}. {{As of|2019|5|df=}}, nine ships have been commissioned. In February 2020 it was announced that the Navy plans to retire the first four LCS ships.{{cite news|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a30878764/littoral-combat-ship-retirement/|title=The Navy Wants to Retire a Ship That's Only Six Years Old|author=Kyle Mizokami|publisher=Popular Mechanics|date=12 February 2020|access-date=17 February 2020}} On 20 June 2020, the US Navy announced that all four would be taken out of commission in March 2021, and will be placed in inactive reserve, because it would be too expensive to upgrade them to match the later ships in the class.{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/34558/navy-will-mothball-its-first-four-littoral-combat-ships-in-nine-months-if-congress-lets-it |title=Navy Will Mothball Its First Four Littoral Combat Ships In Nine Months If Congress Lets It |publisher= thedrive.com |date= 1 July 2020 |access-date= 24 July 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Larter |first=David B. |url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/07/01/the-us-navys-first-4-littoral-combat-ships-are-out-of-the-fleet-in-9-months/ |title= US Navy's first 4 littoral combat ships to leave the fleet in 9 months |publisher= DefenseNews.com |date= 1 July 2020 |access-date= 29 August 2020}}
Planning and construction
File:USS Independence (LCS 2) building.jpg
Planning for a class of smaller, agile, multipurpose warships to operate in the littoral zone began in the early 2000s. In July 2003, a proposal by General Dynamics (partnering with Austal USA, the American subsidiary of Australian shipbuilder Austal) was approved by the Navy, with a contract for two vessels.{{cite press release|url=http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press_releases/2003/July17,%202003%20News%20Release-3.htm |title=General Dynamics Bath Iron Works Team Wins Preliminary Design Award for U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ship |publisher=General Dynamics |date=17 July 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206131806/http://generaldynamics.com/news/press_releases/2003/July17%2C%202003%20News%20Release-3.htm |archive-date=6 February 2010}} These would then be compared to two ships built by Lockheed Martin to determine which design would be taken up by the Navy for a production run of up to 55 ships.
The first ship, Independence was laid down at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, on 19 January 2006. The planned second ship was cancelled in November 2007, but reordered in May 2009, and laid down in December of that year as Coronado, shortly before Independence was launched.{{cite press release |title=Navy Terminates Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 4) Contract |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |id=1269-07 |date=1 November 2007 |url=http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11449 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104071146/http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11449 |archive-date=4 November 2007 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/general-dynamics-littoral-combat-ship-team-delivers-independence-lcs-2-and-lays-keel-for-coronado-lcs-4-79674292.html |title=General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship Team Delivers Independence (LCS 2) and Lays Keel for Coronado (LCS 4) |publisher=PR Newswire |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402134038/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/general-dynamics-littoral-combat-ship-team-delivers-independence-lcs-2-and-lays-keel-for-coronado-lcs-4-79674292.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live }}
The development and construction of Independence as of June 2009 was running at more than 3 times budget. The total projected cost for the ship is $704 million. The Navy had originally projected the cost at $220 million.{{cite web |last=Ewing |first=Philip |url=http://militarytimes.com/news/2009/06/navy_lcs2_delay_062909w/ |title=LCS 2 delays trials after engine issue |work=Military Times |date=29 June 2009 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217233851/http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2009/06/navy_lcs2_delay_062909w/ |archive-date=17 December 2013 |url-status=live }}{{subscription required}} Independence began builder's trials in July 2009, three days behind schedule because of maintenance issues.{{cite web |last=Ewing |first=Philip |url=http://militarytimes.com/news/2009/07/navy_lcs2_sea_trials_070209w/ |title=LCS 2 begins sea trials after 3-day delay |work=Military Times |date=3 July 2009 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002145349/http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2009/07/navy_lcs2_sea_trials_070209w/ |archive-date=2 October 2013 |url-status=live }}{{subscription required}} A leak in the port gas turbine saw the order of trials altered, but builder's and acceptance trials were completed by November,{{cite web |url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/08/navy_lcs_indy_080309w/ |title=Turbine-seal leak means more tests for LCS 2 |last=Ewing |first=Philip |work=NavyTimes |date=4 August 2009 |access-date=30 May 2015}} {{subscription required}}{{cite web |last=Cavas |first=Christopher P. |url=http://militarytimes.com/news/2009/11/navy_DN_111909_LCStrials/ |title=Trials successful for 2nd LCS hull |work=Military Times |date=21 November 2009 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002150904/http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2009/11/navy_DN_111909_LCStrials/ |archive-date=2 October 2013 |url-status=live }}{{subscription required}} and although her first INSURV inspection revealed 2,080 deficiencies, these were rectified in time for the ship to be handed over to the Navy in mid-December, and commissioned in mid-January 2010.{{cite web|title=Navy News Service |url=http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=80016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420190933/http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=80016 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2013 |publisher=Navy.mil |date=16 January 2010}}
Navy leaders said that the fixed price competition offered the Austal design an equal shot, in spite of its excess size, cost and limited service.{{cite web |url=http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1260440129204000.xml&coll=3 |title=Navy says the field is level for teams competing for LCS contract |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609101747/http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fnews%2F1260440129204000.xml&coll=3 |archive-date=9 June 2011}} After much inconsistency on how testing and orders were to proceed, in November 2010, the Navy asked that Congress approve ten of each of the Independence and Freedom classes.{{cite web |last=Sessions |first=Jeff |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2010/11/mil-101103-sessions01.htm |title=Sessions comments today regarding the Navy's proposal to purchase additional Littoral Combat Ship |work=Office of Jeff Sessions |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org |date=3 November 2010 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014145009/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2010/11/mil-101103-sessions01.htm |archive-date=14 October 2011 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/navy-ships-idUSWEN247520101103 |title=US Navy said to buy LCS warships from both bidders |work=Reuters |date=3 November 2010 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626123354/http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/11/03/navy-ships-idUSWEN247520101103 |archive-date=26 June 2015 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|last=Cavas |first=Christopher P. |url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/11/defense-navy-picks-both-lcs-designs-110310/ |title=Navy asks Congress to buy both LCS designs |work=Navy Times |date=4 November 2010 |access-date=30 May 2015}}
Design
File:USS Independence LCS-2 at pierce (cropped).jpg
The Independence-class design began life at Austal as a platform for a high-speed cruise ship. The principal requirements of that project were speed, stability and passenger comfort, and Austal's team determined that the trimaran hull form offered significant passenger comfort and stability advantages over both a catamaran and a monohull. The high-speed cruise ship project evolved into Austal's commercial high-speed trimaran ferry HSC Benchijigua Express.
The ships are {{convert|127.4|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} long, with a beam of {{convert|31.6|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, and a draft of {{convert|13|ft|m|2|abbr=on}}. Their displacement is rated at 2,377 tons light, 3,228 tons full, and 851 tons deadweight. The standard ship's company is 40, although this can increase depending on the ship's role with mission-specific personnel. The habitability area with bunks is located under the bridge. The helm is controlled by joysticks instead of traditional steering wheels.{{cite web |last=Cavas |first=Christopher P. |url=http://militarytimes.com/news/2010/01/navy_insidelook_lcs2_011110w/ |title=LCS 2 features large hangar, bigger berths |work=Military Times |date=11 January 2010 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002150901/http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2010/01/navy_insidelook_lcs2_011110w/ |archive-date=2 October 2013 |url-status=live }}
Although the trimaran hull increases the total surface area, it is still able to reach sustainable speeds of about {{convert|50|kn}}, with a range of {{convert|10000|nmi}}.{{Citation needed|date=April 2009}} Austal claims that the design will use a third less fuel than the competing Freedom class, but the Congressional Budget Office found that fuel would account for 18 percent or less of the total lifetime cost of Freedom.{{cite web |url=http://blog.al.com/live/2010/05/navy_not_looking_at_fuel_effic.html |title=Navy not using fuel cost data in LCS competition |publisher=al.com |last=Reilly |first=Sean |date=7 May 2010 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308023823/http://blog.al.com/live/2010/05/navy_not_looking_at_fuel_effic.html |archive-date=8 March 2012 |url-status=live }} The lack of bridge wings on the Independence class had been noted as the top problem in the entire LCS program to the extent that these will need to be retrofitted onto existing ships.{{cite web |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/redeeming-freedom-us-navy-seeks-renew-faith-lcs |title=Redeeming Freedom -- Changes for the U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ship |publisher=Aviation Week |last=Fabey |first=Michael |date=30 November 2012 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714220147/http://aviationweek.com/defense/redeeming-freedom-us-navy-seeks-renew-faith-lcs |archive-date=14 July 2015 |url-status=live }} The lightweight aluminum construction of the Independence-class ships makes them more vulnerable to damage than the Freedom-class ships.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-21/ships-leaking-37-billion-reflect-eisenhower-s-warning.html |title=Ships Leaking $37 Billion Reflect Eisenhower's Warning |work=Bloomberg Business |last1=Lerman |first1=David |last2=Taborek |first2=Nick |date=20 February 2013 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130004319/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-21/ships-leaking-37-billion-reflect-eisenhower-s-warning.html |archive-date=30 November 2014 |url-status=live }}
The first ships of both LCS classes were delivered before the designs were mature so that improvements could be built into future ships. The Navy is improving the Independence class with bridge wings for safety and replacing the {{convert|5.1|m|ft|adj=on|0}} Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) with a {{convert|7|m|ft|adj=on|0}} boat. An improved cathodic protection system will enhance corrosion protection. Like the Freedom class, the Independence vessels will be getting axial flow water jets which pushes water parallel to the shaft of the impeller to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance; they will also be upgraded to handle the horsepower provided by the gas turbine propulsion system. A winch control system will modulate the motion of the anchor to reduce the reliance on manual hand brakes. The mission bay side door will be redesigned for reliability and the platform lift elevator reconfigured to better handle weapons and ordnance.{{cite web |url=http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/06/27/navy-engineers-lcs-changes/ |title=Navy Engineers LCS Changes |publisher=DoDBuzz.com |last=Osborn |first=Kris |date=27 June 2014 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429110622/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/06/27/navy-engineers-lcs-changes/ |archive-date=29 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}
=Mission modules=
File:Independence (LCS 2) in drydock.jpg hull of an Independence-class LCS]]
The LCS is reconfigured for various roles by changing mission packages, each of which includes mission module equipment (weapon systems, sensors, etc.), carried craft and mission crews.{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2100&tid=406&ct=2 |title=Littoral Combat Ships - Mission Modules |website=Navy.mil |publisher=United States Navy |access-date=21 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110130812/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2100&tid=406&ct=2 |archive-date=10 January 2014 |url-status=dead }} Modules include Anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM), surface warfare (SUW), and special warfare missions.[http://opencrs.com/document/RL33741/2011-03-18/?26200 "Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312053631/http://opencrs.com/document/RL33741/2011-03-18/?26200 |date=12 March 2012 }} Congressional Research Service, 18 March 2011. The MCM and SUW modules are planned to reach initial operating capability in Fiscal year 2014, and the ASW module in FY2016.Jean, Grace. [http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065973040 "US Navy gears up for more at-sea tests of LCS mission modules."] Janes, 5 November 2012. Module changes were envisioned to allow a single LCS to change roles in a matter of hours at any commercial port allowing it to rapidly optimize effectiveness against a threat. A report from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) on a January 2012 sustainment wargame reportedly stated that, possibly for logistics reasons, the mission module changes may take as long as weeks, and that in the future the navy plans to use LCS ships with a single module, with module changes being a rare occurrence.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} In 2014, Independence switched from countermine to surface warfare modes in 96 hours on short notice.{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140830/DEFREG02/308300022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140830151328/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140830/DEFREG02/308300022 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 August 2014 |title=RIMPAC Exercise Puts LCS Through Paces |last1=CAVAS |first1=CHRISTOPHER P. |date=30 August 2014 |website=Defensenews.com |publisher=Gannett |access-date=30 August 2014}}
In an 8 September 2016 announcement, the Navy revealed a radical change in operations and organization plans for the LCS. Of the 28 Flight 0 ships built or on order, the first four, two of each class, will be turned into training ships and the remaining 24 will be divided into six divisions of four ships each; three divisions of the Freedom class based at Naval Station Mayport, Florida and three divisions of the Independence class based at Naval Station San Diego, California. The new organization does away with the LCS' signature interchangeable mission module concept, with each division being tasked to fulfill one of the three mission sets. Crewing is also changed into a more simplified two-crew "blue/gold" model, like that used on submarines and minesweepers, where ships cycle to forward deployed locations with the two crews swapping roles every 4–5 months; aviation detachments will also deploy with the same LCS crew, creating an arrangement of a core 70-sailor crew to conduct the warfare mission and a 23-person air detachment.[https://news.usni.org/2016/09/08/results-new-lcs-review-departure-original-vision Results of New LCS Review is Departure from Original Vision] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910140255/https://news.usni.org/2016/09/08/results-new-lcs-review-departure-original-vision |date=10 September 2016 }} - News.USNI.org, 8 September 2016[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/09/09/navy-takes-four-littoral-combat-ships-out-deployment-rotation.html Navy Takes 1st Four Littoral Combat Ships Out of Deployment Rotation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914035738/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/09/09/navy-takes-four-littoral-combat-ships-out-deployment-rotation.html |date=14 September 2016 }} - Military.com, 9 September 2016
= Modular mission capability =
The Independence class carries a default armament for self-defense, and command and control. Unlike traditional fighting ships with fixed armament such as guns and missiles, tailored mission modules can be configured for one mission package at a time. Modules may consist of manned aircraft, unmanned vehicles, off-board sensors, or mission-manning detachments.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}} The interior volume and payload is greater than some destroyers and is sufficient to serve as a high-speed transport and maneuver platform. The mission bay is {{convert|15200|sqft|m2|-1}}, and takes up most of the deck below the hangar and flight deck. With {{convert|11000|m3}} of payload volume, it was designed with enough payload and volume to carry out one mission with a separate mission module in reserve, allowing the ship to do multiple missions without having to be refitted.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}
One Mobicon Flexible Container Handling System is carried on each ship in order to move mission containers.{{cite web|url=http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/news/articleid/71026.aspx |title=US Navy snaps up Aussie straddle carrier |publisher=SupplyChain Review |date=25 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629210611/http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/news/articleid/71026.aspx |archive-date=29 June 2011 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.mobiconsystems.com/ |title=Mobicon Flexible Container Handling System |publisher=Mobicon Systems |date=2009 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525105514/http://www.mobiconsystems.com/ |archive-date=25 May 2015 |url-status=live }} In addition to cargo or container-sized mission modules, the bay can carry four lanes of multiple Strykers, armored Humvees, and their associated troops. An elevator allows air transport of packages the size of a {{convert|20|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} shipping container that can be moved into the mission bay while at sea. A side access ramp allows for vehicle roll-on/roll-off loading to a dock and would have allowed the ship to transport the since-cancelled Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle.{{cite web |url=http://www.gdlcs.com/sites/default/files/LCS_Brochure_3-10r2_0.pdf |title=Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship |publisher=General Dynamics |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515191232/http://www.gdlcs.com/sites/default/files/LCS_Brochure_3-10r2_0.pdf |archive-date=15 May 2014 |url-status=live }}
=Armament and sensors=
The Raytheon SeaRAM missile defense system is installed on the hangar roof. The SeaRAM combines the sensors of the Phalanx 1B close-in weapon system with an 11-missile launcher for the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile, creating an autonomous system.{{cite press release |url= http://investor.raytheon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=84193&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1119746 |title= Raytheon Delivers SeaRAM to USS Independence |publisher= Raytheon Company |date= 18 March 2008 |access-date= 30 May 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160115112127/http://investor.raytheon.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=84193&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1119746 |archive-date= 15 January 2016 |url-status= live }} The Independence-class ships also have an integrated LOS Mast, Sea Giraffe 3D Radar and SeaStar Safire FLIR. Northrop Grumman has demonstrated sensor fusion of on and off-board systems in the Integrated Combat Management System (ICMS) used on the LCS.{{cite web |url=http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=171665 |title=Northrop Grumman-Led Team Demonstrates Means to Effectively Enhance Littoral Warfighting Capabilities |publisher=NASDAQ Global Newswire |date=18 August 2009 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220053646/http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=171665 |archive-date=20 February 2012 |url-status=live }} The vessels have an Interior Communications Center that can be curtained off from the rest of bridge instead of the heavily protected Combat Information Center found on other Navy warships.{{cite web |url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/04/defense_navy_independence_041210w/ |title=LCS 2: 'It'll blow your mind' |last=Cavas |first=Christopher |work=NavyTimes |date=12 April 2010 |access-date=30 May 2015}} {{subscription required}}
Side and forward surfaces are angled for reduced radar profile. The {{sclass2|Fleet|unmanned surface vessel|2}} is designed for operations from Independence-class ships.{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/auvsi-making-a-splash-346474/|title=AUVSI: Making a splash|last=Sobie|first=Brendan|date=24 August 2010|work=Flightglobal|publisher=Reed Business Information|access-date=30 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101030321/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/auvsi-making-a-splash-346474/|archive-date=1 January 2015|url-status=live}} The flight deck, {{convert|1030|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}, can support the operation of two SH-60 Seahawk helicopters, multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, or one CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter. H-60 series helicopters provide airlift, rescue, anti-submarine, radar picket and anti-ship capabilities with torpedoes and missiles. DARPA's Tactically Exploited Reconnaissance Node (TERN) program aims to build a Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (MALE UAV) that can operate from LCS-2 and can carry a payload of {{convert|600|lb|kg}} out to an operational radius of {{convert|600|-|900|nmi|km}}.{{cite web | url=http://www.darpa.mil/NewsEvents/Releases/2013/03/01.aspx | title=DARPA's New TERN Program Aims for Eyes in the Sky from the Sea | date=1 March 2013 | publisher=DARPA | access-date=30 May 2015 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515143650/http://www.darpa.mil/NewsEvents/Releases/2013/03/01.aspx | archive-date=15 May 2013 | df=dmy-all }} First flight of a TERN demonstrator is expected in 2017.{{cite web | url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=82f60f1cc7d08e541fbddefd902a53f6&tab=core&_cview=1 | title=Tactically Exploited Reconnaissance Node (TERN) Program Solicitation Number: DARPA-BAA-13-28 | date=26 March 2013 | access-date=30 May 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124175146/https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=82f60f1cc7d08e541fbddefd902a53f6&tab=core&_cview=1 | archive-date=24 January 2016 | url-status=live }} The trimaran hull will allow flight operations up to sea state 5.{{Cite web|url=http://ussindependenceship.org/overview_ship.php|title=USS Independence LCS 2 > General Info|date=18 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018005222/http://ussindependenceship.org/overview_ship.php |access-date=5 July 2022|archive-date=18 October 2010 }} Austal USA vice president Craig Hooper has responded to critics of the class's light armament by suggesting that the ships employ long range drones instead.{{cite web |url=http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/04/08/lcs-maker-responds-to-ships-fire-power-critics.html |title=LCS Maker Responds to Ship's Firepower Critics |last1=Cox |first1=Matthew |date=8 April 2013 |work=Military.com |publisher=Military Advantage |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709151041/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/04/08/lcs-maker-responds-to-ships-fire-power-critics.html |archive-date=9 July 2015 |url-status=live }}
On 8 March 2017, {{USS|Detroit|LCS-7|2}} successfully test fired a vertical-launched AGM-114 Hellfire missile, the first such launch from a littoral combat ship.{{cite web |url=http://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/03/08/US-Navy-test-fires-surface-to-surface-missile-module/6861489005730/?st_rec=8611489660857 |title=U.S. Navy test fires surface to surface missile module |website=upi.com |last=Maass |first=Ryan |date=8 March 2017}} The Hellfire system on littoral combat ships is meant to engage smaller agile vessels and strike targets on land.
In late July 2014, the US Navy confirmed that the Naval Strike Missile would be tested aboard the littoral combat ship {{USS|Coronado|LCS-4}}.[http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140724/NEWS04/307240087/LCS-conduct-test-Norwegian-missile LCS to conduct test of Norwegian missile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821050930/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140724/NEWS04/307240087/LCS-conduct-test-Norwegian-missile |date=21 August 2015 }} – Militarytimes.com, 24 July 2014 The test occurred successfully on 24 September 2014.[http://news.usni.org/2014/09/24/navy-norwegian-missile-test-littoral-combat-ship-successful Norwegian Missile Test On Littoral Combat Ship Successful] – News.USNI.org, 24 September 2014 Kongsberg and Raytheon teamed to pitch the NSM to equip the LCS as its over-the-horizon anti-ship missile in 2015.[http://news.usni.org/2015/04/09/raytheon-and-kongsberg-team-to-pitch-stealthy-norwegian-strike-missile-for-lcs Raytheon and Kongsberg Team to Pitch Stealthy Norwegian Strike Missile for LCS] – News.USNI.org, 9 April 2015 By May 2017, the extended-range Boeing RGM-84 Harpoon and Lockheed Martin LRASM had been withdrawn from the Navy's Over-the-Horizon Weapon System (OTH-WS) competition, leaving the NSM as the only remaining contender.[https://news.usni.org/2017/05/24/lockheed-martin-drops-lrasm-frigate-missile-competition Lockheed Martin Drops LRASM Out of Littoral Combat Ship/Frigate Missile Competition] - News.USNI.org, 24 May 2017
On 31 May 2018, the Navy officially selected the NSM to serve as the LCS' OTH anti-ship weapon. The $14.8 million initial contract award to Raytheon calls for the delivery of Kongsberg-designed "encanistered missiles loaded into launching mechanisms; and a single fire control suite," and buys about a dozen missiles; the entire contract value could grow to $847.6 million if all contract options are exercised.[https://news.usni.org/2018/05/31/raytheon-awarded-lcs-horizon-anti-surface-weapon-contract-deal-worth-848m Raytheon Awarded LCS Over-the-Horizon Anti-Surface Weapon Contract; Deal Could be Worth $848M]. USNI News. 31 May 2018. The NSM will be designated as the RGM-184A in US service.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/10/nsm-naval-strike-missile-now-has-a-u-s-navy-designation/|title = NSM - Naval Strike Missile - Now Has a U.S. Navy Designation|date = 4 October 2019}}
=Control system=
The control system for this class is provided by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems through an open architecture computing infrastructure (OPEN CI),{{cite press release |url=http://www.gd-ais.com/News/General-Dynamics-to-Deliver-Open-Architecture-based-Combat-Systems-for-10-Littoral-Combat-Ships/ |title=General Dynamics to Deliver Open Architecture-based Combat Systems for 10 Littoral Combat Ships |publisher=General Dynamics |date=3 January 2011 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124175146/http://www.gd-ais.com/News/General-Dynamics-to-Deliver-Open-Architecture-based-Combat-Systems-for-10-Littoral-Combat-Ships/ |archive-date=24 January 2016 |url-status=live }} while Lockheed provides their own control system for their variant of the LCS.{{cite web |last=Murtaugh |first=Dan |url=http://blog.al.com/press-register-business/2011/01/austal_taps_general_dynamics_f.html |title=Austal taps General Dynamics for LCS combat systems |work=Press-Register |publisher=al.com |date=3 January 2010 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305223236/http://blog.al.com/press-register-business/2011/01/austal_taps_general_dynamics_f.html |archive-date=5 March 2012 |url-status=live }} OPEN CI includes the information technology (IT) infrastructure for the combat and seaframe control systems. This IT infrastructure also includes the primary operator interface for the control and monitoring of mission module operations.{{cite press release|url=http://www.gd-ais.com/News/General-Dynamics-Successfully-Integrates-Littoral-Combat-Ship-Mission-Package-Computing-Environment |title=General Dynamics Successfully Integrates Littoral Combat Ship Mission Package Computing Environment |publisher=General Dynamics |date=18 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514160857/http://www.gd-ais.com/News/General-Dynamics-Successfully-Integrates-Littoral-Combat-Ship-Mission-Package-Computing-Environment |archive-date=14 May 2014 }} The General Dynamics OPEN CI is also used on the Austal-built {{sclass|Spearhead|Joint High Speed Vessel}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.gd-ais.com/Capabilities/Our-Approach/OPEN-CI |title=OPEN CI: The Power of Open Architecture |publisher=General Dynamics |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619070756/http://www.gd-ais.com/Capabilities/Our-Approach/OPEN-CI |archive-date=19 June 2015 |url-status=live }}
=Corrosion management=
After the lead ship of the class suffered from aggressive disintegration due to galvanic corrosion, Austal has made changes to the remaining ships in the class. Coronado will have "new anti-corrosion surface treatments", and Jackson will have "an array of tested corrosion-management tools and processes".{{cite magazine |last=Axe |first=David |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/07/plenty-of-blame-to-go-around-for-disappearing-warship/ |title=Plenty of Blame to Go Around for 'Disappearing' Warship |magazine=Wired |date=5 July 2011 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601064548/http://www.wired.com/2011/07/plenty-of-blame-to-go-around-for-disappearing-warship |archive-date=1 June 2015 |url-status=live }}
= Hull cracks =
On 10 May 2022, it was reported that six of the Navy's fleet of 13 Independence class LCS suffered from hull cracks above the waterline where the deck plate and shell plate join. The cracks may develop if the ships travel faster than {{convert|15|knots}} in seas with maximum wave heights of about {{convert|8|feet}}. The issue was first identified in 2019 in the second commissioned ship, Coronado. The solution to the issue was to replace the deck plate and shell plate with plates of thicker material. Austal making a statement that the cracks do not "pose a risk to the safety of Sailors on board the ships" and NAVSEA stating that the cracks do not affect the ships' ability to execute their missions; however, at least one of the affected ships, Omaha, was under speed and sea state restrictions.{{Cite web |last=Ziezulewicz |first=Geoff |date=2022-05-10 |title=The littoral combat ship's latest problem: Class-wide structural defects leading to hull cracks |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2022/05/10/the-littoral-combat-ships-latest-problem-class-wide-structural-defects-leading-to-hull-cracks/ |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=Navy Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |first1=Emma |last1=Helfrich |first2=Oliver |last2=Parken |date=2022-05-11 |title=The Navy's Independence Class Littoral Combat Ships Are Cracking |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/the-navys-independence-class-littoral-combat-ships-are-cracking |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=The Drive |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=US Navy chief defends plan to scrap troubled warships even though some are less than 3 years old |url=https://www.cbs58.com/news/us-navy-chief-defends-plan-to-scrap-troubled-warships-even-though-some-are-less-than-3-years-old |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=CBS58 |language=en}}
Small Surface Combatant
In December 2014, the Navy's recommendation to base the Small Surface Combatant on upgraded versions of both Independence and Freedom LCSs was accepted. The SSC is an attempt by the Navy to increase the LCS' firepower and protection. Although Austal submitted improvements including vertical launch systems, 76 mm guns, and advanced combat systems and sensors, the Navy opted to keep the 57 mm gun, not add a VLS, and chose to add an upgraded 3-D radar. Other changes included installation of an unspecified over-the-horizon missile, Mark 38 25 mm guns, a torpedo countermeasures system, a multifunction towed array system, installation of a SeaRAM launcher (on the Freedom class), an upgraded countermeasures decoy system, an upgraded electronic warfare system, armor added to vital spaces, and improved signature management.{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141211/DEFREG02/312110041/Hagel-New-Ship-Based-LCS |title=Split Decision on New US Navy Ship |last=Cavas |first=Christopher P. |publisher=Defensenews.com |date=11 December 2014 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141214154956/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141211/DEFREG02/312110041/Hagel-New-Ship-Based-LCS |archive-date=14 December 2014 |url-status=dead }}
The SSC will focus on Surface Warfare (SUW) and Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) with these additions, as well as retaining all other features of their mission packages. The SSC is not required to perform Mine Counter Measures (MCM), which will continue to be handled by the LCS. The vessels will retain a degree of modularity to concentrate on one mission set and will still have mission bays, although they may be reduced. SSC vessels are planned to begin procurement by 2019, and it is being investigated if the enhancements can be added to existing LCS hulls.
Derivative designs
Austal has proposed a much smaller and slower trimaran, called the 'Multi Role Vessel' (MRV 80). Though it is only half the size of their LCS design, it would still be useful for border protection and counter piracy operations.{{cite web|title=Multi Role Vessel MRV80|publisher=Austal|year=2010|url=http://www.austal.com/Resources/Deliveries/4a74c8d1-9ece-4ea8-8693-bcf8493e31cf/mrv-80-data-sheets-sml.pdf|access-date=30 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305162307/http://www.austal.com/Resources/Deliveries/4a74c8d1-9ece-4ea8-8693-bcf8493e31cf/mrv-80-data-sheets-sml.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2012}}
Austal unsuccessfully{{cite news| last = Eckstein| first = Megan| date = 2020-04-30| title = Fincantieri wins $795m contract for navy frigate program| url = https://news.usni.org/2020/04/30/fincantieri-wins-795m-contract-for-navy-frigate-program| work = US Naval Institute| location = | access-date = 2021-03-13}} entered the FFG(X) competition for the US Navy's new class of 20 frigates, unveiling a larger more heavily armed design called the "Austal Frigate" in April 2017. Their Frigate design was selected as one of the five finalists. Based on the Independence LCS trimaran hull, it features a slightly shorter flight deck for an aft section that can hold eight anti-ship missiles, an addition to the eight missile launchers in the forward section, for 16 total. The Austal Frigate design can feature an optional 16-cell Mk 41 VLS. For anti-submarine warfare, a variable depth sonar is planned as well as a towed array with its handling system.[http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/naval-exhibitions/2017/sea-air-space-2017-show-daily-news/5068-sas-2017-austal-unveils-updated-lcs-frigate-design-with-16x-anti-ship-missiles.html Austal Unveils Updated LCS Frigate Design with 16x Anti-Ship Missiles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406113656/http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/naval-exhibitions/2017/sea-air-space-2017-show-daily-news/5068-sas-2017-austal-unveils-updated-lcs-frigate-design-with-16x-anti-ship-missiles.html |date=6 April 2017 }} - Navyrecognition.com, 5 April 2017
Ships
=Ship order and naming history=
The Navy originally ordered two Independence-class littoral combat ships, the lead ship Independence (LCS-2) and Coronado (LCS-4), named in March 2009 by then-Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, with odd numbers being used for Freedom-class littoral combat ships.{{cite web|url=http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/mar/15/1m15coronado22541-future-warship-bear-citys-name/?zIndex=67291|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202042637/http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/mar/15/1m15coronado22541-future-warship-bear-citys-name/?zIndex=67291|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 February 2013|title=San Diego Union-Tribune, Future Warship To Bear The City's Name|publisher=signonsandiego.com|date=15 March 2009|access-date=1 November 2015}} On 29 December 2010, the Navy announced that it would be ordering up to ten additional Independence-class ships, for a total of 12 ships in the class. On 25 March 2011, then-Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the names of the third and fourth Independence-class ships, {{USS|Jackson|LCS-6|3}} and {{USS|Montgomery|LCS-8|3}}, during a press conference in Mobile, Alabama.{{cite press release |url=http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lcs6/Pages/NavyNamesNextTwoLittoralCombatShips.aspx |title=Navy Names Next Two Littoral Combat Ships |author=Department of Defense Public Affairs |publisher=United States Department of Defense |date=25 March 2011 |access-date=2 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208171242/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lcs6/Pages/NavyNamesNextTwoLittoralCombatShips.aspx |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead }} In February 2012, Secretary Mabus announced that the fifth ship of the class will be named {{USS|Gabrielle Giffords|LCS-10|3}}, and the sixth named {{USS|Omaha|LCS-12|3}}.{{cite press release | title=Navy Names Littoral Combat Ship Gabrielle Giffords | author=Department of the Navy | id=NNS120210-25 | publisher=Navy News Service | url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65287 | date=10 February 2012 | access-date=10 December 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418122332/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65287 | archive-date=18 April 2012 | url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/Introducing_the_USS_Omaha_139388048.html?ref=048 |title=Introducing... The USS Omaha |work=WOWT |date=15 February 2012 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514123852/http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/Introducing_the_USS_Omaha_139388048.html?ref=048 |archive-date=14 May 2014 |url-status=dead }} The Navy announced the name {{USS|Manchester|LCS-14|3}} in April 2013{{cite press release | title=Secretary of the Navy Names Multiple Ships | publisher=U.S. Department of Defense | url=http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15932 | id=237-13 | date=12 April 2013 | access-date=30 May 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626150114/http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15932 | archive-date=26 June 2015 | url-status=dead }} {{USS|Tulsa|LCS-16|3}} the following June.{{cite press release |title=SecNav Names Multiple Ships |author=Department of Defense Public Affairs |id=NNS130606-21 |publisher=Navy News Service |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74674 |date=6 June 2013 |access-date=30 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720085522/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=74674 |archive-date=20 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}
On 11 March 2014, the Navy awarded contract options to fund construction of LCS-18 and LCS-20, the seventh and eighth ships in a 10-ship contract.{{cite press release|url=http://www.austal.com/us/media/media-releases/14-03-11/U-S-Navy-funds-two-further-Littoral-Combat-Ships.aspx |title=US Navy funds two further Littoral Combat Ships |date=11 March 2014 |publisher=Austal USA |access-date=30 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202064741/http://www.austal.com/us/media/media-releases/14-03-11/U-S-Navy-funds-two-further-Littoral-Combat-Ships.aspx |archive-date=2 December 2014}} In January 2015, Secretary Mabus announced the name of {{USS|Charleston|LCS-18|3}}.{{cite news | title=USS Charleston an easy choice, Navy Secretary says | work=The Post and Courier | url=http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150109/PC16/150109467/1177/uss-charleston-an-easy-choice-navy-secretary-says | last=Kropf | first=Schuyler | date=9 January 2015 | access-date=30 May 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924123019/http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150109/PC16/150109467/1177/uss-charleston-an-easy-choice-navy-secretary-says | archive-date=24 September 2015 | url-status=live }} and {{USS|Cincinnati|LCS-20|3}} the following July. On 1 April 2015, the Navy awarded build contracts for LCS-22 and LCS-24 to Austal USA.{{cite news |first=Grace |last=Jean |title=USN awards FY 2015 LCS contracts |url=http://www.janes.com/article/50397/usn-awards-fy-2015-lcs-contracts |date=1 April 2015 |publisher=IHS Jane's Navy International |access-date=11 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702102643/http://www.janes.com/article/50397/usn-awards-fy-2015-lcs-contracts |archive-date=2 July 2015 |url-status=live }}{{cite press release|url=http://www.austal.com/us/media/media-releases/15-04-02/U-S-Navy-funds-two-further-littoral-combat-ships-with-option-added-for-a-third.aspx |title=U.S. Navy funds two further Littoral Combat Ships, with option added for a third |date=2 April 2015 |publisher=Austal |access-date=11 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613153414/http://www.austal.com/us/media/media-releases/15-04-02/U-S-Navy-funds-two-further-littoral-combat-ships-with-option-added-for-a-third.aspx |archive-date=13 June 2015}} On 20 July 2015, at a Kansas City Royals baseball game being played at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Secretary Mabus and Mayor Sly James announced the name of {{USS|Kansas City|LCS-22|3}}.{{cite news |url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article27979003.html |title=New USS Kansas City shown off before Royals game |work=The Kansas City Star |last=Campbell |first=Matt |date=20 July 2015 |access-date=21 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723185958/http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article27979003.html |archive-date=23 July 2015 |url-status=live }} On 20 August 2015, Secretary Mabus announced that the twelfth ship would be named {{USS|Oakland|LCS-24|3}}.{{cite press release |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/614332/secretary-of-the-navy-names-littoral-combat-ship/ |title=Secretary of the Navy Names Littoral Combat Ship |date=20 August 2015 |id=NR-333-15 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |access-date=20 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821132606/http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/614332/secretary-of-the-navy-names-littoral-combat-ship |archive-date=21 August 2015 |url-status=live }}
On 31 March 2016, Austal announced the order to build the thirteenth Independence-class vessel with a congressional cost cap of $564 million, which had been placed as an option under Austal's existing 10-vessel block-buy contract.{{cite press release |url=http://austal.com/news/us-navy-funds-additional-littoral-combat-ship |title=U.S. Navy Funds Additional Littoral Combat Ship |publisher=Austal |date=31 March 2016 |access-date=4 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006205615/http://austal.com/news/us-navy-funds-additional-littoral-combat-ship |archive-date=6 October 2016 |url-status=live }} LCS-26 will be the eleventh vessel built under that contract and the thirteenth Independence-class vessel overall (the first two ships, Independence and Coronado were built prior to award of the 10-vessel contract). In September 2016, Secretary Mabus announced the name of the next ship, {{USS|Mobile|LCS-26|3}}.{{cite web|url=http://altoday.com/archives/12497-u-s-navys-next-littoral-combat-ship-named-uss-mobile|title=US Navy's next littoral combat ship named USS Mobile|date=22 September 2016|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920123047/http://altoday.com/archives/12497-u-s-navys-next-littoral-combat-ship-named-uss-mobile|archive-date=20 September 2018|url-status=live}}
On 26 June 2017, Austal announced the order to build the fourteenth Independence-class vessel with a congressional cost cap of $584 million.{{cite press release |url=http://usa.austal.com/news/austal-usa-awarded-littoral-combat-ship-28 |title=Austal USA Awarded Littoral Combat Ship 28 |publisher=Austal |date=26 June 2017 |access-date=26 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009194141/http://usa.austal.com/news/austal-usa-awarded-littoral-combat-ship-28 |archive-date=9 October 2017 |url-status=live }} On 8 October 2017 Austal announced the order for LCS-30, the fifteenth ship of the class, to be built at a cost under the congressional cost cap of $584 million.{{cite press release |url=http://usa.austal.com/LCS_30_award |title=Austal USA Awarded Littoral Combat Ship 30 |publisher=Austal |date=8 October 2017 |access-date=9 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009193815/http://usa.austal.com/LCS_30_award |archive-date=9 October 2017 |url-status=live }} On 13 February 2018, Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer announced the name of LCS-28 as Savannah,{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=104365|title=Secretary of the Navy Names Two Littoral Combat Ships|publisher=navy.mil|date=13 February 2018|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214022206/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=104365|archive-date=14 February 2018|url-status=dead}} and on 23 February 2018, President Donald Trump announced the name of LCS-30 as Canberra.{{cite web |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/donald-trump-announces-newest-us-warship-to-be-named-after-canberra-20180224-h0wkzp.html |title=Donald Trump announces newest US warship to be named after Canberra/ |work=The Canberra Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |date=23 February 2018 |access-date=23 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224044515/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/donald-trump-announces-newest-us-warship-to-be-named-after-canberra-20180224-h0wkzp.html |archive-date=24 February 2018 |url-status=live }}
On 18 September 2018, the Navy announced that two additional Independence-class ships, and one Freedom-class ship, have been ordered,{{cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=107121|title=Navy Awards Three Littoral Combat Ships|date=18 September 2018|publisher=navy.mil|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919034157/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=107121|archive-date=19 September 2018|access-date=19 September 2018}} with hull numbers LCS-32, LCS-34 and LCS-29 respectively. On 10 October 2018, Navy Secretary Richard Spencer announced the names of LCS-29 as Beloit, for Beloit, Wisconsin and LCS-32 as Santa Barbara, for Santa Barbara, California.{{cite web|url=https://navaltoday.com/2018/10/10/us-navy-names-two-more-littoral-combat-ships/|title=US Navy names two more littoral combat ships|publisher=navaltoday.com|date=10 October 2018|access-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010131835/https://navaltoday.com/2018/10/10/us-navy-names-two-more-littoral-combat-ships/|archive-date=10 October 2018|url-status=live}}
On 16 December 2018, the Navy announced that two additional Independence-class ships have been ordered with hull numbers LCS-36, and LCS-38.
=Ships in class=
| class="wikitable" |
| Ship
! Hull Number ! Laid down ! Launched ! Commissioned ! Decommissioned ! Status |
|---|
| {{USS|Independence|LCS-2|2}}
|LCS-2 |19 January 2006 |26 April 2008 |Decommissioned |
| {{USS|Coronado|LCS-4|2}}
|LCS-4 |17 December 2009 |14 January 2012 |Decommissioned |
| {{USS|Jackson|LCS-6|2}}
|LCS-6 |1 August 2011 |14 December 2013 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Montgomery|LCS-8|2}}
|LCS-8 |25 June 2013 |6 August 2014 |10 September 2016{{cite news |url=http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2016/09/10/man-our-ship-uss-montgomery-commissioned/90141892/ |title='Man our ship': USS Montgomery commissioned |newspaper=Montgomery Advertiser |last=Yawn |first=Andrew J. |date=10 September 2016 |access-date=11 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827090310/http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2016/09/10/man-our-ship-uss-montgomery-commissioned/90141892/ |archive-date=27 August 2017 |url-status=live }} | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Gabrielle Giffords|LCS-10|2}}
|LCS-10 |16 April 2014 |25 February 2015 |10 June 2017 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Omaha|LCS-12|2}}
|LCS-12 |18 February 2015 |20 November 2015 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Manchester|LCS-14|2}}
|LCS-14 |29 June 2015 |12 May 2016 |26 May 2018 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Tulsa|LCS-16|2}}
|LCS-16 |11 January 2016 |16 March 2017 |16 February 2019 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Charleston|LCS-18|2}}
|LCS-18 |28 June 2016 |14 September 2017 |2 March 2019 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Cincinnati|LCS-20|2}}
|LCS-20 |10 April 2017 |22 May 2018 |5 October 2019 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Kansas City|LCS-22|2}}
|LCS-22 |15 November 2017 |20 June 2020 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Oakland|LCS-24|2}}
|LCS-24 |20 July 2018 |21 July 2019 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Mobile|LCS-26|2}}
|LCS-26 |11 January 2020 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Savannah|LCS-28|2}}
|LCS-28 |20 September 2019 |8 September 2020 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Canberra|LCS-30|2}}
|LCS-30 |10 March 2020 |30 March 2021 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Santa Barbara|LCS-32|2}}
|LCS-32 |27 October 2020 |12 November 2021 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Augusta|LCS-34|2}}
|LCS-34 |30 July 2021 |23 May 2022 |30 September 2023 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Kingsville|LCS-36|2}}
|LCS-36 |23 February 2022 |23 March 2023 |24 August 2024 | |Active in service |
| {{USS|Pierre|LCS-38|2}}
|LCS-38 |16 June 2023 |5 August 2024 | | |Fitting out |
==Plan to retire LCS hulls==
During planning for the FY21 Budget proposal, the US Navy recommended the decommissioning of hulls 1–4 in 2021, some 10 years ahead of prior planning.{{cite web |url=https://www.navytimes.com/naval/2019/12/24/us-navy-proposes-decommissioning-first-4-lcs-more-than-a-decade-early/ |title=US Navy proposes decommissioning first 4 LCS more than a decade early |first=David B. |last=Larter |work=Navy Times |date=24 December 2019}} This was explained by Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Mike Gilday, during the WEST Conference on 2 March 2020, when he said: {{blockquote|We made a decision a number of years ago. ... In order to give capability to LCS 5 and beyond, particularly the block buys we did in 2015, we decided we needed to do much more testing and use those first four hulls, so that we could better understand what were the issues with respect to hull maintenance and engineering that kept plaguing us and kept us from getting those ships to sea. ... We used those first hulls to test and we put no money into upgrading them like the rest of the fleet. ... Those first four ships are not bringing lethality to the fight. ... I just didn't see the return on investment.}}
There was also a comment that it would cost another $2 billion to get the first four hulls prepped for sea duty.{{cite web |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/03/03/cno-sounds-off-with-all-due-respect-about-how-the-navy-trains-and-deploys-crews/ |title=CNO sounds off 'with all due respect' about how the Navy trains and deploys crews |first=Geoff |last=Ziezulewicz |work=Navy Times |date=3 March 2020}}
On 20 June 2020, the US Navy announced that they would be taking Independence out of commission in March 2021, and placing her, along with {{USS|Freedom|LCS-1|2}}, {{USS|Fort Worth|LCS-3|2}}, and {{USS|Coronado|LCS-4|2}} in reserve.
In May 2021, the Navy confirmed it would decommission the first two littoral combat ships in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Shelbourne |first=Mallory |url=https://news.usni.org/2021/05/17/navy-to-decommission-littoral-combat-ships-uss-freedom-uss-independence-later-this-year |title=Navy to Decommission Littoral Combat Ships USS Freedom, USS Independence Later This Year |website= news.usni.org |date= 17 May 2021 |access-date= 6 July 2021}} On 29 July 2021, the Navy decommissioned {{USS|Independence|LCS-2|2}}. {{USS|Freedom|LCS-1|2}} was decommissioned on 29 September 2021.{{Cite web|last=Burgess|first=Richard R.|date=2021-02-17|title=Navy Details Revised 2021 Ship Decommissioning Schedule|url=https://seapowermagazine.org/navy-details-revised-2021-ship-decommissioning-schedule/|access-date=2021-03-28|website=Seapower|language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/406348/uss-freedom-lcs-1-decommissions|title=USS Freedom (LCS 1) Decommissions|work=Defense Visual Information Distribution Service|date=29 September 2021|access-date=29 September 2021|location=San Diego, CA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930051901/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/406348/uss-freedom-lcs-1-decommissions|archive-date=30 September 2021}} Both ships will join the reserve fleet.
In June 2021, the Navy released an abbreviated long-range shipbuilding report to Congress, which included ships planned to be decommissioned during fiscal year 2022. This included the Independence class {{USS|Coronado|LCS-4|2}} and three Freedom class ships, {{USS|Fort Worth|LCS-3|2}}, {{USS|Detroit|LCS-7|2}}, and {{USS|Little Rock|LCS-9|2}}. All four ships would be placed Out of Commission in Reserve and retained as reactivation candidates.{{Cite web |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |url=https://news.usni.org/2021/06/17/pentagon-reissues-fy-22-shipbuilding-totals-to-congress-in-lieu-of-30-year-plan |title=Pentagon Reissues FY 22 Shipbuilding Totals to Congress In Lieu of 30-Year Plan |website= news.usni.org |date= 17 June 2021 |access-date= 6 July 2021}}
In popular culture
USS Independence appears in the Discovery Channel documentary Inside: A 21st Century Warship, which also features {{USS|Freedom|LCS-1}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/inside-21st-century-warship/1030915037/|title=Inside: 21st Century Warship|publisher=tvguide.com|date=2019|access-date=8 June 2022}}
The lemons' war ships in the Disney/Pixar movie Cars 2 are based on the Independence class.
See also
- Freedom-class littoral combat ship
- Independence-class littoral mission vessel
- HSV Sea Slice, SLICE catamaran
- Sea Fighter (FSF-1), SWATH catamaran
- {{ship||Sea Shadow|IX-529|3}}, stealth catamaran
- {{ship|RV|Triton}}, British trimaran warship demonstrator
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category|Independence-class littoral combat ship}}
- [http://usa.austal.com/ships/littoral-combat-ship-lcs-0 Independence-class littoral combat ships on Austal USA official website]
{{Littoral combat ships}}{{Active ship classes of the United States Navy}}