BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel approved the Navy's proposal to procure a new small surface combatant, Dec. 11.
This approval is the final step of a procurement process that began Feb. 24 when Hagel directed that the Navy build up to 32 Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).
Consistent with the fleet's views on the most valued capabilities delivered by a small surface combatant, the modified LCS ship will be more lethal and survivable. It will provide multi-mission anti-surface warfare (SUW) and anti-submarine warfare capabilities (ASW), as well as continuous and effective air, surface and underwater self-defense.
To increase the defensive and offensive capabilities, the new version of the ship will be equipped with an impressive array of weapon systems covering the full spectrum of warfare threats. Modifications will also include improved passive protection features to defend against mine threats and potential damage caused by weapon impact enhancing its overall survivability.
From an operational perspective, the sum of these improvements will increase the ship's capability and availability to participate in SUW Surface Action Groups, ASW Search and Attack Units; the escort of High Value Units, and support of Carrier Strike Group SUW and ASW operations while leveraging the benefits and affordability of the LCS program.
The resulting 52 ship Small Surface Combatant Fleet will be more in line with the Navy's Force Structure Analysis, which calls for a larger number of smaller ships to deal with cost issues and continuing changes in mission requirements.
Additional information can be found at the following websites: www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=84849, www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=84854 and http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2014/07/14/shedding-light-on-fy-15-30-year-shipbuilding-plan/ .
For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock, visit http://www.navair.navy.mil
www.navy.mil/local/nswcc/.