The U.S. Navy initiated, in the early 2000s, the program LCS, with the goal of rapid-response missions associated with the Global War on Terror. The LCS will have two classes, one called the Freedom variant and the other called the Independence variant. These are designed to be modular and with an advanced degree of automation capable of reducing crew sizes and operational costs. It is lined up for budget overruns, delays, and technical failures throughout.
Most of all, though, the Independence class has been the one to be bedeviled by them. Its striking design featuring a trimaran hull and sharp, pointed bow hid some of the many problems that have surfaced since the ships first took to the water: it has experienced hull cracking under stress, which limits operational speed. This has also raised doubts about the ability of the ships to perform their missions. The Navy intends to retire nine of the 35 LCS ships built, some only a few years after entering service.
The only positive of this program has been to serve as a test bed for new technologies that will be employed in designs such as the FFG(X) Constellation-class frigates. The problems with the program underlined how complicated it can be to develop modular mission sets and also the high costs of maintenance when relying on contractors.
Other developments include the fact that the U.S. Navy continues to strengthen its alliances through maritime cooperative activities. The most recent developments are that the USS Mobile recently conducted a maritime cooperative activity with the Philippine Navy’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS 16). These types of activities showcase the strength of the alliance between the two nations and move forward the combined capabilities in the maritime domain, helping to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“We welcome the opportunity to conduct maritime activities alongside our allies from the Philippines,” said Capt. Justin Harts, commander of Destroyer Squadron 15. “Sailing together demonstrates a commitment to our continued coordination with the Philippine Navy.”
The 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Bilateral operations provide valuable opportunities to train, exercise, and develop tactical interoperability across allied navies.
Meanwhile, the Navy announced that it is scheduled to commission the future Littoral Combat Ship Kingsville, the 18th Independence-variant LCS. The commissioning ceremony will also include remarks from the Honorable Russell Rumbaugh, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller, and Vice Admiral Brad Skillman, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources. The ship’s sponsor is Katherine Kline, a sixth-generation descendant of steamboat captain Richard King who founded the King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas, in 1853.
The design for littoral combat ships involves near-shore and open-ocean environments to address 21st-century coastal threats. They integrate with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions across the globe.
The Surface Training Systems Program Office, PMS 339, is the lead in strategic program planning, policy, research and development, acquisition, technical insertion, and life cycle management of surface training platforms. PMS 339 provides competence to U.S. Navy Sailors by delivering aligned, consistent, effective, and proven training solutions. Among several training systems, it manages Combat Systems Trainers, Navigation and Engineering Trainers, and the Surface Training Readiness Management System (STRMS).
PMS 339 also oversees the acquisition, development, procurement, operation, maintenance, sustainment, modernization, and overhauling of schoolhouse and waterfront shore-based training systems. Fleet introduction support is provided by the office for modernization and new construction of various ship classes, such as DDG 51, DDG 1000, LCS, and LPD 17.
The lessons learned from the LCS program will surely play an instrumental role in defining future naval capabilities and strategies as the Navy continues to adapt and evolve to meet new challenges.