Littoral Combat Ship: The US Navy’s ‘Alleged Warship’
Senate oversight deeply critical of troubled program.
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By Steven Stashwick
December 12, 2016
Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee charged with oversight of the United States’ armed forces, opened a recent hearing on capability and procurement problems with the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) by calling the class an “alleged warship.” The slight references longstanding concerns with the ships’ combat lethality – the damage it can inflict on an enemy – and survivability – the damage it can receive and continue to fight. The Navy is also moving ahead with a more-heavily armed version of the LCS that will be designated as a frigate, and is intended to address that lethality shortfall, but it isn’t clear that even these improved designs meet the Navy’s future combat needs. So far, seven of the ships have been delivered, 19 are in various stages of construction, and the Navy plans to build at least 24 more despite persistent questions about its ability to perform in combat.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported in June that the Navy’s improved “frigate” upgrades to the LCS do not provide substantial combat improvements over the current LCS design and that the Navy did not rigorously consider alternative solutions. Citing cost overruns, poor program management, and persistent concerns about the design, construction, and crewing issues, the GAO recommended to the Senate that Congress halt funding for the program until capability requirements are better defined and design improvements completed.
http://thediplomat.com/2016/12/littoral-combat-ship-the-us-navys-alleged-warship/
