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Family vacations not for faint of heart
Westside News Family Guy
Family vacations not for faint of heart
Christmas Day, our children unwrapped memories that will last a lifetime, at least now that they were able to survive their present.
For years we have been debating on the best time to take our kids to Disney World. We wanted to make sure that they were not too young to remember, or too old to truly appreciate the magic. We were also hoping to not be too broke to get there. When child four, five and six came along we knew that neither hope could be realized.
So, now was the time.
We decided that this inaugural trip would just be for our oldest three with a promise to repeat the trek in five to seven years with the new crew. When they opened a big box of Disney sweatshirts with a travel itinerary on top – their joy burst forth in shouting and dancing and hugging and kissing and more shouting.
The night before takeoff, Leslie checked in to confirm our flight, and found out that it was canceled. Lots of snow and blowing had grounded many planes coming in and out of Rochester. So we called the airline to develop a Plan B. And we waited, and waited. An hour after being on hold, I called the airline from another phone. Now we waited in stereo, and waited. Another hour in we added a third phone to our effort.
By 1 a.m. we had been on hold for four hours and I was begging Leslie to rest and renew our efforts after some sleep. She relented. Fifteen minutes later Leslie woke me up.
"I think we need to fly out of Buffalo," Leslie said.
Not really sure if she said "fly out of Buffalo," or "we need a flying Buffalo," I agreed and rolled over to get more sleep.
Five minutes later, she had the children buckled in the car and she came back to carry me out to the passenger seat.
We drove for more than three hours in little visibility and less sanity to the Buffalo Airport. Leslie marched to the counter and began pleading our case. The sympathetic ticket woman devised a plan that would have us flying standby with a slight chance of actually making it to Florida.
Later that evening we were rubbing elbows with Mickey!
That was only the beginning of our wild times in Disney World. Knowing that we had one shot at making memories, Leslie had each day planned to the minute. No attraction was too big or too small for us to experience. Marching from line to line from sun up to sundown, by day's end it was all that I could do to muster up enough strength to roll onto the mattress. Each night as I snuggled into my pillow it was under the glow of Leslie's computer screen as she reviewed a map of each park, plotting out our plan of attack for the next day's adventure.
And each day was an adventure.
By day four the kids were beginning to fade. Leslie's quest for experiencing all that Disney has to offer was starting to take a toll on them. Our eldest, Molly, was the first one to fall. She wasn't looking so good. By that evening not good turned to bad. Strep throat merited a run to the nearby emergency room. One painful shot and a few hours of sleep later, Molly was back in business and we were off to our next park.
While the kids were wowed with the magic of Disney, there began a quiet protest among them. They wanted to swim in the hotel pool.
We tried to explain that there are pools in Hilton, but sadly no Space Mountain, no Small World and no talking chipmunks. While they conceded this point, they wouldn't give up on their quest for liquid refreshment and so finally on day five we had a moment of rest and splashing around.
Our final day at the parks was like the first. We made it to every Disney attraction and even had a successful scramble for souvenirs.
We left with blistered feet that supposedly will heal. Two of the children left with fevers that the doctor said will eventually come back down. We left with suitcases of souvenirs that will take some time to pay off.
Most importantly, we made memories that will last a lifetime.


text:
Littoral combat ship
The littoral combat ship (LCS) is a class of relatively small surface vessels intended for operations in the littoral zone (close to shore) by the United States Navy.[1] It was "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals."[2]
The Freedom class and the Independence class are the first two LCS variants, both are slightly smaller than the U.S. Navy's guided missile frigates and have been likened to corvettes. They have the capabilities of a small assault transport, including a flight deck and hangar for housing two SH-60 or MH-60 Seahawk helicopters, a stern ramp for operating small boats, and the cargo volume and payload to deliver a small assault force with fighting vehicles to a roll-on/roll-off port facility. Standard armaments include Mk 110 57 mm guns and Rolling Airframe Missiles. It is also equipped with autonomous air, surface, and underwater vehicles. Possessing lower air defense and surface warfare capabilities than destroyers, the LCS concept emphasizes speed, flexible mission modules and a shallow draft.
The first littoral combat ship, USS Freedom, was commissioned on 8 November 2008 in Veteran's Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[3] The second ship, and first of the trimaran design, the USS Independence, was commissioned on 16 January 2010, in Mobile, Alabama.[4] The third LCS, USS Fort Worth, of similar design to the USS Freedom, was commissioned 22 September 2012 in Galveston, Texas.
In 2012, CNO Jonathan W. Greenert said some LCSs would be deployed to Africa in place of destroyers and cruisers.[5] In 2013, the requirement was cut from 55 to 52 ships as U.S. Africa Command had reduced the presence requirement.[6] On 6 January 2014, the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) directed the Navy to reduce LCS procurement from 52 to 32 vessels in favor of a "more capable surface combatant."[7] The final budget called for capping the LCS fleet at 32 ships in favor of a more capable frigate, that could engage in high intensity combat.[8]
- 1 Design features
- 2 Developmental history
- 3 Small Surface Combatant
- 4 Foreign sales
- 5 List of LCS ships
- 6 See also
- 7 References
- 8 External links
Design features[edit]
The concept behind the littoral combat ship, as described by former Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England, is to "create a small, fast, maneuverable and relatively inexpensive member of the DD(X) family of ships." The ship is easy to reconfigure for different roles, including anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, homeland defense, maritime intercept, special operations, and logistics. Due to its modular design, the LCS will be able to replace slower, more specialized ships such as minesweepers and larger assault ships.[9]
Most of the mission modules' functions are performed by carried vehicles such as helicopters or unmanned vehicles such as the Spartan Scout, AN/WLD-1 RMS Remote Minehunting System and MQ-8B Fire Scout as part of the Navy's goal to "unman the front lines". Performing functions such as sonar sweeps for mines or submarines as well as launching torpedos against hostile submarines at a distance from the ship is less risky.[10] Placing sensors on remote vehicles allows the LCS to exploit concepts such as bistatic sonar.[11] 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 600 pounds (270 kg) out to an operational radius of 600–900 nautical miles (1,100–1,700 km).[12]
A report in 2010 by the Pentagon's director of Operational Test and Evaluation found that neither design was expected to "be survivable in a hostile combat environment" and that neither ship could withstand the Navy's full ship shock trials.[13] The Navy responded that the LCS is built to a Level 1+ survivability standard and that the ships will rely on warnings from networks and speed to avoid being hit, or if hit be able to limp to safety.[14][15] Jonathan Greenert said that the crew would "conduct an orderly abandon ship" if their ship was struck by enemy fire, an action that might not be necessary on other vessels in the same circumstances. The ships were designed to minimize vulnerability with modern automated damage control systems to perform its mission, then withdraw from the area under its own power.[16]
The LCS's combat abilities were said to be "very modest" even before the cancellation of the XM501 Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System.[17] The Independence variant reportedly has better helicopter facilities and more internal space while the Freedom variant is said to be better able to launch and recover boats in high seas. Admiral Gary Roughead said that a mix of both types would be "operationally advantageous".[18]
In April 2012, Chief of Naval Operations Greenert said, "You won't send it into an anti-access area," rather groups of two or three ships are intended to be sent into areas where access is jeopardized to perform missions like minesweeping while under the cover of a destroyer. The LCS main purpose is to take up operations such as patrolling, port visits, anti-piracy, and partnership-building exercises to free up high-end surface combatants for increased combat availability.[5] Navy Secretary Ray Mabus clarified that the ship could operate in combat areas while under the protection of other warships.[19]
The ships are planned to have a 3:2:1 manning concept. That is three ship crews, and two hulls for each ship that is on station at any time. The other ship and other two crews who are not on deployment will either be preparing for deployment or in rotation in or out of theater. The result is a 50% reduction in ships and a 25% reduction in crews (and smaller crew sizes) than traditional deployment practices.[20] The ships were predicted to fall short in manning.[21] The Navy has deployed ships with berthing modules in the mission bays in order to carry the crew required for operations.[22][23][24] However the ships are designed with sufficient headroom to change from 2-high bunking to 3-high bunking, which would allow crew sizes of 100 if needed.[25]
The LCS is the first USN surface combatant class in a generation to not use the Aegis Combat System, though Aegis-equipped variants of the LCS hulls have been offered to foreign customers.[26] They have suffered from problems in their communications and radars and will require refits in these areas.[27] The LCS is unable to defend themselves effectively against anti-ship cruise missiles, which are commonly employed in the littorals;[28] but does have survivability via its ability to disperse in shallow waters better than larger warships.[29]
Mission modules[edit]
The LCS is reconfigured for various roles by changing mission packages. Each mission package includes mission module equipment (weapon systems, sensors, etc.), carried craft and mission crews.[30] Projected modules include Anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine hunter (MCM), surface warfare (SUW), and special warfare missions.[31] The MCM and SUW modules are planned to reach initial operating capability in Fiscal year 2014, and the ASW module in FY2016.[32]
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.[28] In 2014, Independence switched from mine to surface warfare modes in 96 hours on short notice.[33]
Surface warfare[edit]
In addition to the ships' organic weapons systems, the surface warfare package includes two 30 mm gun systems, a counter-boat missile system, 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), and weapons deployed from MH-60 helicopters and MQ-8 Fire Scout UAVs.[34] The surface warfare mission module is intended to deal only with small boats and is called "best swarm killer in the surface fleet".[35] It includes two 30 mm gun mission modules manufactured by Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.[36]
In January 2011, the U.S. Navy recommended that Raytheon's Griffin missile system be selected as the replacement for the NLOS-LS missile.[31][37] This would lower the missile range of the LCS from 25 miles to 3.5 miles. The packages were to be deployed in sets of three, with 15 per set for a total of 45 missiles. Initial deployment was set for 2015, with a longer ranged version to have entered service around 2017. However, this was canceled as the Griffin was judged to be "too lightweight".[38][39] The longer range missile will be chosen in a competition for a "beyond the horizon" system.[40] An enhanced Griffin and the Sea Spear variant of the Brimstone were considered likely competitors for the increment 2 missile.[41] The Navy's proposed budget for FY 2015 includes funding for the Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) for the first time.[42] The Navy chose to integrate the AGM-114L Hellfire missile on the LCS to increase standoff firepower. The Longbow version uses millimeter wave radar to autonomously track targets rather than using laser designation. Navy use of the Hellfire gives access to the existing U.S. Army stockpile of 10,000 missiles. The Hellfire has a range of 8,000 m (5.0 mi), the Navy is interested in developing a longer-range version.[43] The selection of the Hellfire is an interim decision.[44] A ship of either LCS class can carry 24 Hellfire missiles in its Surface-to-surface Missile Module (SSMM), launching them vertically from existing M299 launchers mounted within a gas containment system; the SSMM design does not facilitate at-sea reloading.[45] The Hellfire is slated to be operational aboard the LCS by 2017.[34]
Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace has proposed equipping both classes of LCS with their Naval Strike Missile. The company presented scale models of the Freedom-class with 12 NSMs and the Independence-class with 18 NSMs.[46] In July 2014, the Navy confirmed that it would test-launch the NSM from the USS Coronado (LCS-4) to evaluate the missile's feasibility; the NSM will not be integrated onto the ship, but must be shown to fit aboard it. The NSM can hit a ship 100 mi (87 nmi; 160 km) away, but LCS ships are not fitted with long-range fire control systems to detect a target that far away. Launching the NSM from the Coronado is the first time an LCS will fire a surface-to-surface missile.[47] On 24 September 2014, the NSM was successfully fired from a launcher positioned on the flight deck at a mobile target. The LCS' modular design makes it possible to add weapons and sensors as part of the warfare suite. The NSM has a greater range than the U.S. Navy's Harpoon anti-ship missile and can evade radar. This could mitigate lethality criticism of the LCS, which is oriented toward asymmetric swarm boat threats than comparable surface combatants.[48]
A longer-range missile is planned to defend against fast attack craft, ships, and patrol boats by 2020 as part of the surface warfare package Increment 4. It requires a surface-to-surface missile able to work against targets bigger than fast boats with an over-the-horizon engagement capability.[34]
Anti-submarine module[edit]
The anti-submarine module will have its focus changed from stationary systems to en-stride systems (while the ship is moving) that are useful in the open ocean as well as in coastal areas.[31] One of the items to be added is a "torpedo detection capability" so that the ship can know when it is under attack.[49] Thales has sold one CAPTAS 4 low-frequency active sonar to the U.S. Navy to be towed behind the LCS, with a potential order of 25 units.[50] The USN will test a combination of this unit, derived from the Sonar 2087 on British Type 23 frigates, with the TB-37 multifunction towed array found on US warships.[51] As of September 2013[update], deployment of the ASW module is planned for 2016, but the 2013 sequestration cuts could push this back to 2017.[52]
The Thales 2087-towed sonar will give the LCS an ability to detect diesel-electric submarines while on the move, even better than destroyers and cruisers; because submarines can hide based on how sound is refracted through the temperature salinity and pressure profile, the variable depth sonar can pierce that layer better than a hull-mounted sonar. The sonar is paired with a torpedo decoy under development. To destroy submarines, an MH-60S helicopter will deploy the Mark 54 MAKO Lightweight Torpedo.[53] Submarine detection is achieved by using an active VDS and passive Multi-Function Towed Array (MFTA); the active sonar sends out an acoustic signal to analyze the return, while the passive sonar simply listens through the water for noise signatures.[54]
A wargame held by the Naval War College demonstrated the possibility of using the LCS in open water operations to assist carrier battle groups and guided missile destroyers. The LCS was found to be more useful in open water operations than previously considered. The wargame found that an LCS operating the ASW package could perform the mission, which freed up a destroyer that would normally perform the mission to contribute to the lethality of the strike group. Submarine hunting ability is increased by the combination of a destroyer's towed array and hull-mounted sonar and an LCS' variable depth sonar.[29]
Mine countermeasures module[edit]
The Mine Counter-Measure (MCM) module is designed to provide minesweeping, where mines are detected remotely and bypassed, as well as minehunting, where mines are detected and then disabled. Presently the MCM module is envisioned to perform "influence" minehunting, which employs acoustic and magnetic signatures, but not contact, or mechanical minehunting. The MCM module includes the Airborne Laser Mine Detection system, the Airborne mine neutralization system, the AN/AQS-20A underwater towed sonar, the remote minehunting system that will tow the AN/AQS-20A, the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis system, the unmanned surface vehicle with unmanned surface sweep system, and the Knifefish, the Surface mine counter-measure unmanned undersea vehicle. Although cancelled, the MCM module was to include the Organic Airborne and Surface Influence Sweep System, and the Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System. The AN/AQS-20A, and the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System have been found to be unable to meet performance requirements in a single pass, requiring them to use multiple passes. The Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle's mean time before failure is 7.9 hours compared to the required 75 hours. The Airborne Mine Neutralization System cannot track mines because of software problems, and the loading/unloading system has issues.[55] The final increment IV MCM module will not have contact minehunting capability or an EOD team, which the Avenger Mine Countermeasure ship had to deal with contact mines, and give valuable intelligence data the EOD teams are trained to collect It will also not have an in-stride capability, the ability to neutralize discovered mines, the neutralization phase is preceded by post-mission analysis with the proposed system. As of September 2013[update], fielding of the first increment of the MCM module is planned for 2015, and the second in 2019.[52]
Although detection of underwater mines and submarines may seem to require the same instruments and methods, mine detection is actually more difficult because they are harder to find. Mines don't radiate any noise to pick up, unlike a submarine that is putting out its own noise signature, so minesweeping has to be conducted at closer ranges, requiring the use of different equipment in the mission package.[54]
The first increment of the MCM module will enter service in 2015 and will include three systems: the helicopter-deployed airborne laser mine detection system (ALMDS); the airborne mine neutralization system (AMNS); and the remote minehunting system (RMS) composed of the remote multi-mission vehicle (RMMV) and the AQS-20A sonar. The ALMDS will detect mines near the top of the water, and the RMS, which is the RMMV paired with the AQS-20A, will detect them below the waterline. To destroy mines, the AMNS is lowered by the helicopter and guided by an operator on board to neutralize it. Increment two will be the coastal battlefield reconnaissance and analysis system (COBRA) mounted on the MQ-8B to search beaches and surf zones. Increment three will involve an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) with unmanned surface sweep system (USSS), which is a cable towed behind the USV. It will mimic the acoustic and magnetic signature of a ship to fool magnetic and influence mines into detonating; introduction is expected in 2017. The final increment will be the Knifefish unmanned underwater vehicle to find and detect buried mines in 2019.[53]
Irregular warfare and amphibious modules[edit]
The Navy included an irregular warfare package in its 2012 budget request to Congress.[56] The Spearhead-class Joint High Speed Vessels have also been weighed as possible platforms for Special operations support.[57]
Under Secretary of the Navy Robert O. Work has said that Marines will deploy from littoral combat ships.[58] Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-CA), himself a Marine Corps Reserve field artillery officer with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, has written that the 55 LCS buy was made at the cost of 10 fewer amphibious vessels needed to support the USMC.[59] Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Joseph Dunford said in 2011 that the LCS is one of the platforms under consideration to help close the gap in amphibious shipping.[60] The Navy is currently working on the requirements for a module to support these sorts of operations.[61]
In mid-August 2014, the USS Coronado demonstrated the ability to rapidly stage and deploy Marine Corps ground units. Two Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons conducted day and night deck-landing qualifications in preparation for an airborne raid. The Independence-class LCS' features of high speed, a large flight deck, and reconfigurable mission bay can support air and small-boat employment and delivery of Marine ground and air tactical units; a small Marine ground unit can be carried even with an embarked mission module. UH-1Y Venom and AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters are fully supportable on the ship class.[62]
Marine Corps General John M. Paxton, Jr. claims several deficiencies in using an LCS as a substitute platform for an amphibious assault ship for amphibious operations including ability to operate in difficult sea states, ability to remain survivable in contested waters, limited flight deck space and berthing space for Marines, and command and control limitations for operations ashore and afloat.[63]
Developmental history[edit]
During the late 1990s, the U.S. Navy realized its Cold War-era cruisers and destroyers would be vulnerable in shallow coastal waters, where the next naval battlespace was expected to be. Designed for open-ocean warfare, they faced dangers from high-speed boats, missile-firing fast-attack craft, small submarines, sea mines, and land and air-launched anti-ship missiles. The Navy's official solution was the DD-21, a large coastal warship that could take and absorb hits. Two Navy strategists, retired Captain Wayne Hughes and Vice Admiral Art Cebrowski, refined a different strategy relying upon large numbers of small, specialized vessels. Their Streetfighter concept called for a 1,000-ton heavily-armed ship costing just $90 million (2001 dollars). Being small and light, it was envisioned that the Streetfighter would be a "single-serving" ship whose crew would abandon ship once hit, made possible by its low cost. The concept of a manned expendable warship caused contention with the Navy and the idea was not picked up. When Donald Rumsfeld was made Secretary of Defense in early 2001, he promised transformational approaches and doing jobs with less people. In October 2001, Cebrowski was assigned to head the Pentagon's new Office of Force Transformation, shortly after which Admiral Vernon Clark cancelled the DD-21 and replaced it with a "family" of ships, including the littoral combat ship, being motivated to produce ships cheaper and faster to increase fleet size. Clark declared the LCS was his "most transformational effort" and number-one budget priority in 2003.[64]
The Navy committed to the $15 billion (2003 dollars) program before rigorous analysis of the concept had been conducted. Neither purpose, appearance, or survivability were clearly defined yet. Navy leaders' arguments typically pointed to its speed, asymmetric littoral threats, and impact on the American shipbuilding industry. The LCS suffered from requirements creep, adding more missions and equipment, potentially rendering it too complex and expensive to use. When it was decided the ship would not be expendable, the original concept of a small, cheap, simple coastal warship soon became bigger, more expensive, and more complicated; although crew requirements shrank due to automation. The task force assigned six different missions to the LCS: submarine and mine hunting; combating small boats; intelligence gathering; transportation of special forces; and peacetime drug and piracy patrols. It would be big enough to sail across the Pacific on its own, carry a helicopter, the top speed would be at least 40 knots and each ship would cost $220 million. These missions had been previously performed by individual ships, the task force realized it was virtually impossible for one vessel to fill all those roles. The Navy was only willing to build one type of ship, the task force advocated a large hull to cover the range of missions through modularity, organic combat power, and use of unmanned systems. Empty space would be left for sets of weapons and sensors optimized for a particular task; a mission module would cost $150 million. When the first production contracts were awarded in 2004, no mission module was worked outside of a laboratory. The program amounted to building a ship quickly and cheaply, and solving problems encountered with technology.[64]
The United States Navy launched its first experimental littoral combat ship, Sea Fighter, in 2003. Sea Fighter used a SWATH-type hull and was designated as fast sea frame or FSF-1.[65] The ship was put into service in 2005 and serves as an experimental test bed ship using mission modules.[66] Given that the Oliver Hazard Perry, Osprey, and the Avenger classes are all reaching end of life, the U.S. Navy released a requirement for the LCS class ships. In 2004, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Raytheon submitted designs to the Navy of their proposed littoral combat ships. It was decided to produce two vessels each (Flight 0) of the Lockheed Martin design (LCS-1 and LCS-3) and of the General Dynamics design (LCS-2 and LCS-4). After these are brought into service, and experience has been gathered on the usability and efficiency of the designs, the future design for the class were to be chosen (Flight I). The ultimate decision was to fund both designs as two variants of the class. The Navy currently plans to build 32 of these ships.
On 9 May 2005, Secretary of the Navy Gordon R. England announced that the first LCS would be named USS Freedom. Her keel was laid down on 2 June 2005 at Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wisconsin.[67] The contract to build the ship was managed by Lockheed's Maritime Systems and Sensors (MS2) division, directed by Fred Moosally.[31] On 23 September 2006, LCS-1 was christened and launched at the Marinette Marine shipyard.[68] On 19 January 2006, the keel for the General Dynamics trimaran, USS Independence, was laid at the Austal USA shipyards in Mobile, Alabama. LCS-2 was launched 30 April 2008.
Budget overruns and deployments[edit]
In 2007, the U.S. Navy canceled contracts to build LCS-3 of Lockheed Martin and LCS-4 of General Dynamics and Austal USA, citing failure to control cost overruns.[69] Subsequently, the Navy announced a new bidding process for the next three ships, the winner building two ships and the loser building one.[70] In the 26 September 2008 U.S. Presidential debate, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) used the LCS procurement as an example of botched contracting driving up costs unnecessarily.[71]
In March 2009, then-Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced that LCS-3 would be named Fort Worth after Fort Worth, Texas,[72] and the fourth ship would be named Coronado after Coronado, California,[73][74] signalling the restart of LCS program. The LCS-3 Fort Worth contract was renewed in March 2009,[75] and the LCS-4 Coronado was renewed in April 2009.[76] The Navy also announced its revised LCS procurement plan in April 2009 that a total of three ships would be awarded in FY 2010 budget. Senior Navy officials also hinted that the Navy may not down-select to one design for further orders, pointing out complementary features of the two designs.[77]
The Navy pressed forward with the LCS acquisition, despite calls from former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman to adopt a fixed-price contract.[78] Pressure mounted in Congress for the Navy to control the cost: in June 2009, during a hearing of the House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, Subcommittee Chairman Gene Taylor, D-Miss, said that other contractors would be keen to build LCS as the subcommittee added language requiring the Navy to open bidding if either lead contractor walked away from the offered $460 million fixed price contracts.[79] In response, the Naval Sea Systems Command conducted a study on whether reducing the top speed requirement from 40 knots to 30 could help keep the ships under the price cap.[80]
The Congress asked the Navy to study improvement programs on existing ships in place of the LCS program. In June 2009, Vice Admiral Barry McCullough, USN testified in a Senate Armed Services Committee meeting that the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates and minesweepers were too worn out to cover the gap if the LCS suffered further delays.[81] Retired Admiral James Lyons, USN called for a $220 million common design with the U.S. Coast Guard's National Security Cutter (NSC) program to save costs and meet "limited warfare requirements".[82] A Huntington-Ingalls study found that the NSC would be a better match for the listed mission set while lacking the LCS's mission modules to perform many of these missions.[83]
In May 2012, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems released a study that showed seven LCS can more efficiently perform anti-piracy patrols in the Western Indian Ocean than a fleet of 20 conventional ships for a quarter of the cost.[84] To help reduce cost of each ships, Navy Acquisition Chief Sean Stackley and Vice Admiral Barry McCullough in September 2009 indicate that only one contractor would be offered a fixed price contract in 2010 for up to ten ships,[85] followed by an offer to build five additional ships of the same design as the first contract to the secondary builder.[86] The Congress agreed with the Navy on this plan.[87]
FY2010 budget documents revealed that the total costs of the two lead ships had risen to $637 million for Freedom and $704 million for Independence.[88] On 16 January 2010, the Independence was commissioned in Mobile, Alabama.[4]
On 23 August 2010, the US Navy announced a delay in awarding the contract for 10 ships until sometime near the end of the year.[89] A meeting of the Defense Acquisition Board scheduled for 29 October 2010 has been delayed and the Navy has indicated that no decision on the contract can be made until this meeting is held.[31]
The GAO found that deploying the first two ships will delay the overall program because these two ships were not available for testing and development so changes may have to be made in the second pair of ships during their construction instead of being planned for before construction started.[90] The U.S. Navy responded that "Early deployment brought LCS operational issues to the forefront much sooner than under the original schedule, some of which would not have been learnt until two years on."[91]
In 2013, Work explained that part of the cost overruns were due to the shipbuilders bidding to American Bureau of Shipping commercial standards, but the Navy changing this to Level I survivability standards to give the crew a better chance of survival, even though the ships were not expected to continue operating after being hit.[92] The Navy acknowledged that their failure to communicate clearly that the experimental and developmental nature of the first two ships caused a perception that the overall LCS program was in worse shape.[93]
A GAO report in July 2014 found that the annual cost to operate an LCS was $79 million, compared to $54 million to operate a larger frigate with more crewmembers. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus pointed out that new vessels traditionally start off costing more to operate and experience more difficulties as ships have to be built and tested simultaneously; GAO reports of new warships since the 1960s make similar operating cost claims. As more littoral combat ships are built and enter service, Mabus said operational costs will decline to acceptable limits.[94]
Building both designs[edit]
Instead of declaring a winner out of the two competing designs, the U.S. Navy in November 2010 asked the Congress to allow for the order of ten of each design.[95][96][97] US Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) said that the change was made because both bids were under the Congressional price cap.[98] Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said that unlike the possibility of splitting orders for projects like KC-X or the General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136, the Pentagon had already paid the development cost for both designs so there was no further development required for both designs and have them compete for future orders.[99]
In December 2010, the Government Accountability Office identified some problems with the designs including extremely long crew training time, unrealistic maintenance plans, and the lack of comprehensive risk assessment.[100] On 13 December 2010, both production teams extended their contract offers until 30 December in order to give more time for the Navy to push through the plan. The Navy would be forced to award the contract to only one team if it failed to secure Congressional approval. The Navy budgeted $490 million for each ship while the Congressional Budget Office projected a cost of $591 million for each ship.[101][102] Navy acquisition chief Sean Stackley testified to a Senate panel that the actual price range was $440 to $460 million.[103]
A day before the offers were set to expire, both Lockheed Martin and Austal USA received contracts from the Navy to build an additional ten ships of their designs. Two ships of each design would be built each year between 2011 and 2015. Lockheed Martin's LCS-5 had a contractual price of $437 million. Austal USA's contractual price for LCS-6 was $432 million. Department of Navy Undersecretary Sean Stackley noted to reporters on 29 December 2010, that the LCS program was well within the Congressional cost cap of $480 million per ship. The average per-ship target price for Lockheed ships is $362 million, Stackley said, with a goal of $352 million for each Austal USA ships. Government-furnished equipment (GFE), such as weapons, add about $25 million per ship; another $20 million for change orders, and "management reserve" is also included. Stackley declared the average cost to buy an LCS should be between $430 million and $440 million.[104]
In the fiscal year 2011, the unit cost was $1.8 billion and the program cost $3.7 billion.[105]
Work has said that the two different designs may each be best suited for a different theater, in that the LCS-1 design would be better suited for the enclosed waters of the Middle East, while the LCS-2 design would be better suited for the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. However, in order to increase commonality between the two designs, the Navy will force both types to use the same electronics for their combat systems.[106]
On 10 February 2012, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus broke with the previously established naming convention for the LCS class and named LCS-10, the USS Gabrielle Giffords, in honor of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) in recognition of her survival of an assassination attempt.[107]
The handoff from General Dynamics to Austal of management for the Independence class lead to a 13-month schedule slip as the company struggled with building the JHSV ships at the same facilities.[108] In May 2013, the GAO called for a pause in ship construction until issues with the sea frames and modules were resolved.[109] In August 2013, the USN revealed plans to reduce the procurement rate in 2016.[110]
Operational issues[edit]
A 2012 report by Rear Admiral Samuel Perez, USN, found that the ships lacked the manpower and firepower to complete the missions required by regional combatant commanders. The report found that the LCS is "ill-suited for combat operations against anything but" small, fast boats not armed with anti-ship missiles. It also found that the excessive beam of the trimaran Independence class ships may pose a "navigational challenge in narrow waterways and tight harbors".[111] The report also found that the contractor-based maintenance scheme for the ships had led to poorly supervised and unaccountable contractors leaving problems unresolved. As contract workers are required to be American, this required them to be flown out to any foreign ports visited by the LCS.[112] A special panel was appointed to investigate "challenges identified".[113] Twenty more bunks were installed to allow for a larger crew.[114]
In 2013, Captain Kenneth Coleman, the U.S. Navy's requirements officer for the program, identified the LCS as being especially vulnerable to tactical aircraft armed with standoff anti-ship missiles.[115] Vice Admiral Thomas H. Copeman III is reported to be considering an upsized "Super" LCS,[116] with space to install needed firepower, because he noted that the 57mm main gun was more suitable to a patrol boat than a frigate.[117][118] Austal's vice president for sales, Craig Hooper, suggested that the ships should instead be used for UAV operations.[119] Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has called the lack of identified missions for the LCS "one of its greatest strengths".[120] The various modules all use the same Internet Protocol formats.[121][122] In 2013 Congressional auditors found that the ships lacked robust communications systems and a USN review "uncovered classified deficiencies" in the ship's cyberdefenses.[123]
At a hearing on 25 July 2013, the House Armed Services Committee's seapower subcommittee argued with Vice Admiral Richard Hunt on how the LCS would be employed if tensions with North Korea or China led to a confrontation in the Western Pacific. Hunt said the ships are designed in accordance with the Navy's survivability standards, and that the LCS would be used during the initial phase in the theatre and sense the environment before hostilities occur. Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter countered saying the LCS was not survivable enough for long-range threats that China possesses. LCS class ships are built to the Navy's survivability category Level I+, higher than Level I patrol craft and mine warfare ships, but lower than the Level II Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate they are replacing. The Navy has said the LCS was designed to pull out of combat upon sustaining damage.[124]
The deployment of USS Freedom is seen by the Navy as an opportunity to test the ship and operational concepts in the real-world. Congressman Hunter replied that that the Freedom had docked in harbors that other ships couldn't (demonstrating its shallow draft) and do "donuts" (move in fast circles). Admiral Hunt told Hunter that the Navy was about to conclude a war game at the Naval War College to examine ways of exploiting LCS capabilities in a Western Pacific scenario, among others. Hunt added that the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission package would play an important role in protecting aircraft carriers and amphibious ships. The mine countermeasures (MCMs) mission package would also provide necessary port security and waterway patrol capability following combat operations. The MCM mission package is expected to reach initial operational capability (IOC) in 2014, and the ASW mission package is expected to reach IOC in 2016.[124]
A Government Accountability Office report in April 2014 found that several U.S. 7th Fleet officials thought the LCS was more useful in the Persian Gulf, but not suitable in the Pacific theater. The report found that the ships lack the speed, range, and electronic warfare capabilities to operate in the sheer geographic expanse of the Pacific. The first two vessels from each maker were found to be overweight and not meeting performance requirements for endurance or sprinting over 40 knots. Navy leaders contend that the LCS' shallow draft is well suited for Pacific operations because of the many shallow-water ports in parts of Asia that are difficult for larger destroyers and cruisers to access. The GAO report recommended the Navy consider buying fewer ships of the type if its limitations prevent effective use in the Pacific operations theater.[125][126] The GAO also found that both designs were overweight and under performing.[127]
Small Surface Combatant[edit]
On 24 February 2014, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel directed the Navy to submit alternative proposals for a new surface combatant comparable to a frigate that can operate in all regions under conflict conditions. In response to Pentagon direction to halt LCS purchases at 32 ships, the Navy is re-examining the vessels' role and alternate proposals. The Navy requires the class' roles of counter-mine, anti-submarine, and surface warfare provided by modules; design proposals are being developed that may better fulfill those needs than the LCS, including a modified LCS or a new platform and are due in 2015. There will be an examination of whether the LCS has enough protection and firepower to survive against advanced adversaries. LCS supporters point out that the ships were not designed to function like destroyers or similar warships but for littoral tasks like high-speed patrols and counter-piracy missions, moving at 40 knots and within shallow water where other ships cannot.[128]
Secretary Hagel was concerned with the plan for the LCS to make up one-sixth of the Navy's 300-ship force. The 2013 Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) report on the two LCS ships questioned their survivability as their requirements did not include features for sustained combat operations as other Navy surface combatants had. A new ship class would need built-in anti-submarine and surface warfare mission features, as opposed to swappable mission modules. The search for a new LCS design runs along with early work to start construction on replacements for the Navy's cruisers and destroyers beginning in 2028.[129] Marine Corps Systems Command executive director John Burrow will lead the search for the new design, which will compare the existing LCS against the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates.[130]
On 27 March 2014, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus defended the LCS' survivability in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee. They defended the need for 52 small surface combatants and elaborated on the elements of ship survivability. There are three elements of survivability: susceptibility, the ability for a ship to defend itself; vulnerability, the effects of an initial casualty on a ship; and recoverability, the ability for a ship to conduct damage control. Greenert explained that the LCS meets or exceeds survivability and recoverability standards, was as survivable as a frigate, and was more survivable than mine countermeasures and patrol craft; susceptibility has to be improved upon. Although the Admiral was supportive of the LCS' speed, volume, and capacity and reiterated the need for 52 ships, he was open to modifications to increase survivability and flexibility.[131]
Italian defense company Finmeccanica is proposing their OTO Melara 76 mm gun, used on some Navy frigates, be added to the improved LCS to replace its current 57 mm cannon. The OTO Melara 76 mm has a range of 22 nmi (25 mi; 41 km), compared to the 57 mm gun's range of 8–10 nmi (9.2–11.5 mi; 15–19 km); it would effectively upgrade its firepower to meet requirements that the new or upgraded LCS be modeled after a frigate.[132]
On 30 April 2014, the Navy issued two Requests for Information (RFI) to industry to give the LCS task force follow-on designs to Flight 0 ship models. One RFI is for design concepts and information on cost and lethality, and the other is for specific systems and technologies. Mission areas consisting of anti-air, surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasure missions will offer a range of mission and capability options based on the threat environment that will drive design work and costs. Options for the proposed small surface combatant are a modified version of the LCS, an existing alternate ship design, or an entirely new design.[133]
On the proposals due date, ship designs were submitted by Lockheed Martin, Austal USA, Huntington Ingalls, and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, and separate combat systems proposals were submitted by Lockheed, Raytheon, and General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (GD AIS); both ship and combat systems responses were limited to 25 and 15 pages respectively. Lockheed's response was a modified version of their Freedom-class LCS; different prices for upgrades included an advised increase in length to 125 m (410 ft), other proposals include incorporating vertical launch systems to house Standard Missile 2 missiles, the extended length versions being able to carry the Standard Missile 6; the SPY-1F Aegis radar or a derivative of the Air Missile Defense Radar can also be added. Austal USA submitted a modified Independence-class ship, adding permanently-installed systems like a towed array sonar, torpedoes, vertical launch anti-submarine rockets, and aviation capability to support the MH-60 helicopter in place of mission modules. Like Lockheed's submission, it has a VLS for Standard missiles, a 76 mm gun in place of the 57 mm gun, and can take on an Aegis or ADMR radar. Huntington Ingalls put in a bid of a larger and more heavily-armed National Security Cutter. General Dynamics submitted a response and declined to provide details.[134]
Results from the Navy task force on LCS upgrades and alternatives were completed on the July 31 completion date as required, but will not publicly release them until 2016 budget deliberations. The review was not to select a final hull design, but survey a range of options to evaluate capability and cost. After top Navy officials approve recommendations, they have to be reviewed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and presented to Secretary Hagel.[135][136] The Navy senior leadership briefed top Pentagon officials on proposals for the new SSC on 6 October 2014. A decision is to be made by February 2015 in time to inform the 2016 budget submission when it is sent to Congress.[137] In November 2014, Secretary of Defense Hagel announced his resignation, effective after his successor is confirmed. So he will be able to select the SSC follow-on to the LCS sometime in early 2015.[138]
Foreign sales[edit]
Saudi Arabia and Israel have both expressed an interest in a modified version of the Freedom variant, the LCS-I,[139] but Defense News has reported that Israel has dropped out of this project in favor of a new frigate design to be built in Israel.
The Republic of China Navy (Taiwan) has also shown interest in procuring U.S. littoral combat ships, to replace aging Knox-class frigates.[140]
The Royal Malaysian Navy is purchasing ships of similar displacement that they call littoral combat ships, but their use of the term has been disputed. See Second Generation Patrol Vessel. [141]
The Indonesian Navy was reportedly interested in either purchase or construction of littoral combat ships to protect Indonesia's wide ocean territory. Early images indicate a trimaran design much like the Independence variant ships (LCS-2).
Japan will design its own version of the Independence class.[142]
List of LCS ships[edit]
See also[edit]
- Braunschweig-class corvette
- F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigate
- Holland-class offshore patrol vessels
- Kamorta-class corvette
- Khareef-class corvette
- La Fayette-class frigate
- Second Generation Patrol Vessel
- MEKO or "littoral combatant ship"
- Milgem-class corvette
- Sigma-class corvette
- National Security Cutter
- Sea Fighter (FSF-1)
- ^ "US Navy Fact File: LITTORAL COMBAT SHIP CLASS – LCS". Retrieved 8 June 2012.
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- ^ Ewing, Philip. "SAS12: LCS modules may never be 'final'." DoD Buzz, 16 April 2012.
- ^ O'Rourke, Ronald. "Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress." CRS, 20 March 2012.
- ^ "House panel raises doubts over manning LCSs." Navy Times, 15 May 2012.
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- ^ "A heavy duty LCS for foreign navies. Maybe."
- ^ "Redeeming Freedom – Changes for the U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ship."
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- ^ a b LCS Wargame Reveals New Tactics Amid Controversy - DoDBuzz.com, 2 April 2014
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- ^ a b c d e "Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress." Congressional Research Service, 18 March 2011.
- ^ Jean, Grace. "US Navy gears up for more at-sea tests of LCS mission modules." Janes, 5 November 2012.
- ^ CAVAS, CHRISTOPHER P. (30 August 2014). "RIMPAC Exercise Puts LCS Through Paces". www.defensenews.com (Gannett). Retrieved 30 August 2014.
- ^ a b c Navy Plans to Arm LCS With Long-Range Surface Missile - Defensetech.org, 6 November 2014
- ^ Rear Admiral John Kirby, USN. "Return Fire on the Navy's Littoral Combat Ship." Time Magazine, 12 October 2012.
- ^ "Teledyne Wins $9 Million Littoral Combat Ship Mission Modules Manufacturing Contract." Teledyne Technologies, 10 May 2011.
- ^ Reed, John (11 January 2011). "Navy Close to Choosing Griffin Missile for LCS". DoD Buzz. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "LCS matures, new missile coming."
- ^ "Navy considering big changes for LCS" By Sam Fellman, Navy Times. 24 January 2011
- ^ Munoz, Carlo. "Navy To Arm LCS With New Missile System." Aol Defense 20 October 2011.
- ^ FRYER-BIGGS, ZACHARY (23 June 2013). "Raytheon Working on Extending Range of Griffin Missile for LCS". www.defensenews.com. Gannett Government Media Corporation. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
- ^ CAVAS, CHRISTOPHER P. (4 March 2014). "US Navy Budget Takes Bite Out of Aircraft, Weapons". www.defensenews.com. Gannett Government Media. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
- ^ Navy Adds Hellfire Missiles to LCS - DoDBuzz.com, 9 April 2014
- ^ CNO: Railguns and Hellfires Make Ships More Lethal - Defensetech.org, 9 April 2014
- ^ Q & A with the U.S. Navy on Lockheed Martin Hellfire missiles for Littoral Combat Ships - Navyrecognition.com, 17 July 2014
- ^ Kongsberg introduces some "armed to the teeth" LCS concepts at Sea-Air-Space 2014 - Navyrecognition.com, 8 April 2014
- ^ LCS to conduct test of Norwegian missile - Militarytimes.com, 24 July 2014
- ^ Norwegian Missile Test On Littoral Combat Ship Successful - News.USNI.org, 24 September 2014
- ^ Fabey, Michael. "What Price Freedom? LCS-1 Leaves Dry Dock Amid Questions About Worthiness." Aviation Week, 9 May 2012.
- ^ Tran, Pierre Thales Sells Sonar as Demonstrator for LCS Defense News, 28 September 2010
- ^ O'Rourke, Ronald (13 June 2012), RL33741 Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress
- ^ a b Greenert, Admiral Jonathan (18 September 2013). "Statement Before The House Armed Services Committee On Planning For Sequestration In FY 2014 And Perspectives Of The Military Services On The Strategic Choices And Management Review" (pdf). US House of Representatives. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
- ^ a b LCS Mission Packages: The Basics - News.USNI.org, 21 August 2013
- ^ a b Navy's LCS Tests Counter-Mine, Anti-Submarine Technology - DoDBuzz.com, 7 November 2014
- ^ http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/656107.pdf
- ^ "LCS Dives Into Irregular Warfare With New Mission Package.". Defense.aol.com. 22 December 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "NavWeek: Pivotal Needs."
- ^ "Postwar plan: tighter linkage with Marines". Navy Times. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Scully, Megan. "Does Fleet Size Matter? A Navy Point of Contention." Roll Call, 25 November 2012.
- ^ Munoz, Carlo. "Marines Clamor To Close Gaps In Amphib Fleet." AOL Defense, 7 December 2011.
- ^ "Marines, SOCOM Pile Onboard LCS."
- ^ Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) Conducts Integration Exercise with U.S. Marines - Navyrecognition.com, 21 August 2014
- ^ USMC's Paxton: Potential Marine Deployments On LCS And JHSV Carry Risks - News.USNI.org, 2 October 2014
- ^ a b How the Navy's Warship of the Future Ran Aground - Wired.com, 3 August 2011
- ^ "Sea Fighter (X-Craft)". Nicholsboats.com. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ This story was written by Journalist 3rd Class (SW) Nick Young, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific. "Navy Sea Fighter Makes San Diego Home". Navy.mil. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ This story was written by Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs. ""Keel Laid for First Littoral Combat Ship, USS Freedom." Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs. 3 June 2005". News.navy.mil. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ ""First Littoral Combat Ship Christened." Navy News. 25 September 2006". Military.com. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Merle, Renae (13 April 2007). "Navy Cancels Lockheed Ship Deal". Washington Post (Press release). Retrieved 22 July 2007.
- ^ Sharp, David (3 April 2008). "Navy Restarting Contest for Halted Shipbuilding Program". Washington Post (Press release). Retrieved 30 April 2008.
- ^ "Transcript of presidential debate". CNN. 26 September 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2008.
- ^ Navy Names Littoral Combat Ship USS Fort Worth
- ^ Navy Names Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado
- ^ "San Diego Union-Tribune, Future Warship To Bear The City's Name, March 15, 2009". .signonsandiego.com. 15 March 2009. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Washington Post (24 March 2009). "National Briefing: Lockheed Gets Second Ship Deal" (Newspaper article). Washington Post. Retrieved 25 March 2009.
- ^ "Navy orders second LCS from Austal".
- ^ "Cost estimates rise for first LCS ships". Navy Times. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Former Navy Sec. says ship buying system flawed; Associated Press". Newsvine.com. 22 May 2009. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "House panel reverses cuts in aircraft programs". Govexec.com. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Shalal, Andrea (20 March 2009). "U.S. Navy studies slower but cheaper LCS ships". Reuters. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Navy has few FFG options to fill LCS gap". Navy Times. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Washington, The (5 July 2009). "Why we need better ships". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
- ^ Ewing, Philip. "Industry view: Why the Navy needs a 'Patrol Frigate'." DoD Buzz. 28 March 2012.
- ^ "Unmanned Assets Could Save 75% of Cost of Anti-Piracy Operations". Defense-update.com. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ [http://inform.com/business/navy-revises-littoral-combat-ship-buying-plan-672135a http://inform.com/business/navy-revises-littoral-combat-ship-buying-plan-672135a; Associated Press[dead link]
- ^ "LCS Solicitation Canceled, To Be Reissued". Aviationweek.com. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Conferees agree FY 2010 Navy shipbuilding authorization". Marinelog.com. 9 October 2009. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
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- ^ Mabus: Cost for LCS will decline - Navytimes.com, 25 July 2014
- ^ Sessions, Jeff "Sessions comments today regarding the Navy's proposal to purchase additional Littoral Combat Ship" Office of Jeff Sessions, 3 November 2010
- ^ "US Navy said to buy LCS warships from both bidders". Investing.com. 3 November 2010.
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- ^ "Austal USA executive defends Littoral Combat Ship against firepower critics." Ellen Mitchell, Alabama Media Group, April 10, 2013.
- ^ "Navy Secretary Defends Littoral Combat Ship."
- ^ "LCS Forges Common IT Backbone."
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- ^ a b In China or North Korea scenario, LCS would be in the fight, USN says - Janes.com, 29 July 2013
- ^ Littoral Ship's Fitness for Asia Questioned by Some in U.S. Navy - Bloomberg.com, 10 April 2014
- ^ 7th Fleet Admits LCS Not Suited for Pacific - Military.com, 11 April 2014
- ^ "Littoral Combat Ship: Additional Testing and Improved Weight Management Needed Prior to Further Investments GAO-14-749: Published: Jul 30, 2014."
- ^ Navy Plans New Future with 32-Ship LCS Fleet - DoDBuzz.com, 26 February 2014
- ^ What's Next After LCS? - News.USNI.org, 25 February 2014
- ^ CAVAS, CHRISTOPHER P. (18 March 2014). "LCS Alternative Task Force Named". www.defensenews.com. Gannett Government Media. Retrieved 18 March 2014.
- ^ CNO Talks LCS Survivability - Navy.mil, 28 March 2014
- ^ Finmeccanica Proposes 76mm Gun for LCS - DoDBuzz.com, 7 April 2014
- ^ Navy Asks Industry for Input for Follow-on to Littoral Combat Ship - News.USNI.org, 30 April 2014
- ^ Ideas Pour in to US Navy's Small Ship Task Force - Defensenews.com, 23 May 2014
- ^ No report expected just yet on LCS alternative - Navytimes.com, 31 July 2014
- ^ Navy Won't Discuss LCS Follow-on Taskforce Results Until Next Budget - News.USNI.org, 1 August 2014
- ^ Hagel briefed on new Navy surface ship, but no decisions yet - Navytimes.com, 16 October 2014
- ^ Hagel Will Still Make Final Call on LCS Follow On - News.USNI.org, 25 November 2014
- ^ "Israel's Littoral Combat Ship Program (LCS-I)". Defense-update.com. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "MND denies having finalized aging frigate replacement plan". Etaiwannews.com. 11 January 2010. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Chong, Debra. "Call naval patrol ships by actual term, Pua tells Putrajaya." The Malaysian Insider, 21 January 2012.
- ^ "Japan to design own version of littoral combat ship with US help". www.wantchinatimes.com. 7 March 2014. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
External links[edit]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Littoral Combat Ships.
- GAO criticizes cost overruns First two LCS ships to exceed budget of $472 million by more than 100 percent.
- Press Release from Lockheed Martin Corporation on the launch of LCS-1 Freedom.
- Defense Industry Daily LCS info, pictures, timeline, links to pages about LCS robot vehicles.
- http://peoships.crane.navy.mil/lcs/
- http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/lcs.htm
- LCS specifications globalsecurity.org
- Littoral combat ship at DMOZ
- http://www.austal.com/
- Press Release issued from the Department of Defense relating to the Stop Work order.
- General Dynamic LCS cutaway view painting
- Lockheed Day In The Life video
- Lesson on How Not to Build a Navy Ship
- Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Pictures Pictures at DefenceTalk
- Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) News News at DefenceTalk

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Karbon - Penumbra
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Rated 5 / 5 stars
Music to my ears.
i dont know if its the weed, cigarete, or the 4 cups of coffee that im enjoying this so much that i would want to get into a car accident while listening to this.
Rated 5 / 5 stars
cant stop
i really cant stop listening to it
Rated 5 / 5 stars
ive been listening to this on repeat while chatting on yahoo IM for about 2 hours. Perfectico my friends, awesome work!
Rated 5 / 5 stars
Something Else
Man you have created something out of this world this is a definate hit with the people of newgrounds it has a great tune/beat to it and something thisgreat only comes around once so thats why I give it 10/10 5/5 and guess what I also Downloaded it thats how good it was
Rated 5 / 5 stars
Love it ;)
I like this, it sounds like something High Contrast would make. I love Liquid Funk ;)


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1/4 Photos of Grilled Salmon and Smokey Tomato-chipotle Sauce
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My Favorite fish Salmon is one of the richest, strongest flavored fish available, it combines well with piquant sauces. This one is made with tomatoes and chipotle chiles. You can find these chipotles canned in dark red adobo sauce.
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text: Curing Autism, One Step At A Time View full-size image < previous next > Is this photo a winner? "The shirts we ordered were used for our charity, PAR4KIDS, bowling event held April 3rd at a local bowling alley on Long Island. PAR 4 Kids is a non-profit charity set up to raise money to help fund autism research and education projects. Autism is a devastating disease which now affects 1 of every 150 children born in this country. Although we have come a long way in understanding this disease, there is a lot more work to be done. We hold Golf & Bowling events and dedicate 100% of the proceeds to Autism research and other programs that support the Autistic Community. With the help of the CustomInk t-shirts, we raised about $20,000 for various research and education programs. Overall, the event was a great time with great friends for a great cause. Thank you CustomInk!" - par4kids.com - PAR4KIDS (Apr 22, 2011) Share this photo on: Twitter Facebook Pinterest Similar Photos: Charity Bowling Event | bowling | charity | non profit | bowling alley | par 4 kids Feeling inspired? Visit the CustomInk Design Lab to start your own group order. Design Your Own


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{Little} Girl's Room
We wanted to do a nursery/toddler room for our daughter. Her room is the smallest in the house with lots of windows and doors. We had to get creative with furniture placement and artwork to make the most of her little space.
Project Nursery | Junior • 36 weeks ago


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Category: Energy & Renewables ×
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Location: Taiwan ×
based in Limonest Cedex, FRANCE
Smart monitoring, diagnosis & solutions. ACOEM offers comprehensive products and services comprising smart monitoring, diagnosis and solutions, drawing upon its unique expertise in the field of vibrations and acoustics. ACOEM contributes to the improvement of: quality of life and risk prevention in urban and industrial environments; productivity and the reliability of ...
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Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. (Austin, Texas, USA) is responsible for the engineering and production of Rigaku EDXRF products worldwide. At the PittCon 2013 exhibition in March in Philadelphia, ART accelerates our pace on innovation with the introduction to the world of our 5th new product: he Rigaku NEX OL on-line process elemental analyzer. Rigaku has been at the ...
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Zombie Arm Lawn Stakes
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|Titans make starting change at middle linebacker
|Written by Admin
|Thursday, 25 September 2008 11:52
It's a move that caught Fowler, who started 14 games last season and the first three this year, by surprise.
``It definitely came as a shock to me. It went from, `There is no competition,' and then skipped the competition part all together and went to a replacement without any warning,'' Fowler said Thursday. ``I understand the coaches will do what they need to do to win, and they probably have the best interests of the team at hand.
``I'm not mad about the change. I'm a little disappointed in the way that it took place without any warnings.''
h for the job. But the 5-11 Tulloch, their fourth-round draft choice in 2006 off of a great North Carolina State defense that also featured Mario Williams, started the final two games when Fowler hurt a shoulder.
Tulloch also started three preseason games at outside linebacker, playing so well he had some teammates thinking he should be starting.
Told that Tulloch would be starting, Fowler said there wasn't much discussion and he believes the move is indefinite.
The move is a bit surprising because Tennessee currently leads the NFL in fewest points allowed through three games with 29. The Titans also rank third in yards allowed.
Fowler said he had refocused on being a physical player after experimenting with some finesse moves during the preseason. He had been told his performance against Cincinnati on Sept. 14, in which he had seven tackles with two for losses, was his best yet with Tennessee.
``I hadn't been approached or talked to or showed any concern by any of the coaches since the season started, and by all accounts, I had been getting nothing but positive feedback from coaches and scouts alike,'' Fowler said.
Tulloch, whose locker is beside Fowler's, was lifting weights and not available to reporters Thursday after practice. Coach Jeff Fisher would only say that they like the matchup against Minnesota (1-2) and Adrian Peterson with Tulloch.
production because he has 18 tackles and is tied with Keith Bulluck for the lead among linebackers. But he said he'll try to lose a few pounds to improve his speed.
``I was focusing on being the hammer they wanted me to be,'' Fowler said. ``I thought I was on the right track. I guess there was some communication lost somewhere in there. It's probably my fault for not paying close enough attention.''
Bulluck called it a tough situation for coaches and Fowler and Tulloch. Bulluck had been counseling Tulloch to have patience, comparing Tulloch's situation to his own as first-round draft pick in 2000 who didn't take over as the starter until the final game of the 2001 season.
``They didn't make a change and our defense wasn't playing as well as we are playing. It's a coach's decision. It shouldn't change anything the other 10 of us do to prepare or anyone else on this defense,'' Bulluck said.
Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch said Tulloch had a great training camp and preseason.
``I know it's hard to wait your turn and be patient, but he did. He kept his head on straight, and that's what happens in this league,'' Vanden Bosch said. ``You'll get your opportunity if you keep working hard, and he's got his opportunity now.''
back Chris Henry (sick) all practiced after sitting out Wednesday. Vince Young (sprained left knee) did not practice and watched from the sideline.


text:
J PaulsAmerican (Traditional), Bar, Pub
7 W South St
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If kevin is working try a blue razz or pink sock. Too goodread more
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Ask Kevin or Jason about a pink sockread more
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A huge thank you to everybody who applied for our September 2015 application round - the deadline has now passed. We stayed up until midnight providing last-minute encouragement and technical support to our applicants at the start of their UWC journey.
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Ratings based on 35 Verified Reviews
They paid and stayed. We double-checked.
4.2 Room cleanliness
4.0 Service & staff
3.6 Room comfort
3.8 Hotel condition
They paid and stayed.
We double-checked.
We double-checked.
for Everyoneby A verified traveler
Great location.Posted Oct 7, 2014
Pros: Safe and comfortable.
Cons: When you have a room for two booked, it would be nice if we had two towels without having to ask each day.
Location: Great location. Close to river and main attractions.
Location was close to the river and many of the sites in sevilla. Room was confortable.
for Everyoneby Mishapsfrom UK
Comfortable Hotel, Fantastic Location!Posted Jun 23, 2014
Pros: Everything!
We had a great weekend in Seville and found the Hotel to be perfect for our needs. The Hotel lobby is modern and welcoming, with a business corner and lounge area with large TV. There is also a restaurant serving breakfast but we didn't use this facility. The bedroom was clean and comfortable, and ours had a small balcony overlooking Reyes Catolicos. All the staff we came across were extremely friendly and helpful. The best part about the Hotel was the location, as it was right in the centre close to the river and was walking distance from all the best attractions, monuments, bars and restaurants. In an afternoon stroll along both sides of the river and around the city we were able to take in the bull ring, the cathedral and giralda, the alcazar, the torre del oro, plaza de espana and maria luisa park, plaza de america, numerous bars for refreshment stops, plus the metropol parasol for sunset which was stunning. We also found some really fantastic bars and restaurants in the streets near by the Hotel, as it is close to many that are recommended in various travel guides. If I return to Seville in the future, I would definitely choose Confortel Puerta de Triana.
Comment from Hotel Management
Jul 8, 2014 by Directeur, Hotel Management
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us. We wanted you to know that our goal for every guest that ever stayed with us is to be happy and have a great experience during their holidays. This is our personal satisfaction. We are very glad you had a great weekend in our beautifull city and It would be a pleasure to wellcome you back in the future. Yours sincerely, Manuel Reyes, Hotel Manager
Recommendedby Javier cfrom USA
great experiencePosted Aug 31, 2013 on Hotels.com
Great central location, It exceeded my expectations and the front desk staff was very helpful and friendly.. From the cleaning girls to the front desk guy whose last name is Angulo, they made my visit to Seville a great, warm experience.
by Hank
Skip this placePosted Jun 15, 2013
Pros: Leaving it.
Location: It has a central location, 2 blocks from the bull ring and the river walk.
The walls are paper thin and you can hear both street noise and the conversations of your neighbors. The rooms are cramped and laid out in a bizarre uncomfortable fashion. In the bathroom my elbows were literally touching the shower stall on one side and the wall on the other. The beds were uncomfortable, too, and Im a backpacker. I sleep on the ground on a regular basis and this hotel was bad.
for Business Travelersby Paulfrom USA
Very satisfiedPosted Jun 6, 2013 on Hotels.com
Clean & quiet room, good location
for Getaway With Friendsby Ann
nice hotel for city breakPosted Oct 22, 2012 on Hotels.com
the hotel was nice and clean and is located a 2 mins walk from the River and other various attractions in Seville. We arrived early and wasnt able to check in till 1pm. Check-in itself was a little slow but was soon in our room. The room upon arrival spelt stongly of cleaning fluids and could smell a toilety smell coming from the bathroom which went once the aircon had been put on. Good variety of food for breakfast and was a little spoilt for choice. think the hotel is perfect for those looking for some where to stay in a city location wise and on a lower budget.
for Everyoneby A verified traveler
hotelPosted Sep 10, 2012
OK hotel. well positioned. air con could have been better
by johnfrom cheshire
Puerto de Triana reviewPosted Jun 18, 2012
Pros: Central position, close to shops and cafes.
Cons: Claustrophobic room.
Location: good central location
The room was very small. The bathroom was very cramped. Prominent adverts for room upgrades between 10 and 30 euros per person per night.
for Getaway With Friendsby A verified traveler
Posted Apr 30, 2012 on Hotels.com
Recommendedby A verified travelerfrom England
Good value for the CostPosted Sep 24, 2011 on Hotels.com
Nice hotel with reasonable standards, beds were a little hard and the location though great for a stroll a long the river was a 15 - 20 min walk to the Cathedral and main tourist eating areas.


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Arsenal attacker Lukas Podolski would like to hear from VfL Wolfsburg about a January move. read more11:31 » tribalfootball.com
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has rubbished claims of Ross Barkley being a diver. read more07:06 » tribalfootball.com
Mauricio Pochettino has called for an extra day's break from the Europa League. read more26 Nov » tribalfootball.com
• 'I don't think he looks for those sort of decisions' • Everton and West Ham charged over Goodison melee • Martínez living by values as Everton see off West Ham Continue reading...26 Nov » Guardian
Arouna Kone could be set to play for Everton for the first over a year after being included in the squad to face Wolfsburg.26 Nov » BBC Sport
Coaching staff at Santos rate him the best they've seen since Neymar. Robinho has declared him "blessed". And Barcelona thought so highly of him they paid a premium just for first refusal. read more24 Nov » tribalfootball.com
Premier League clubs are circling Santos for Gabriel Barbosa. read more19 Nov » tribalfootball.com
Barcelona may be forced into an early decision over Santos striker Gabriel Barbosa. The 18 year-old has been in sensational form for Santos , where he has been dubbed 'Gabigol'. read more19 Nov » tribalfootball.com
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is being dragged into a love triangle featuring former Blues winger Kevin de Bruyne. read more19 Nov » tribalfootball.com


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Chiefs' McKnight ruptures Achilles tendon
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Running back Joe McKnight has ruptured his Achilles tendon, becoming the third Chiefs player to sustain the season-ending injury already this season. McKnight sustained the injury in practice Thursday. Defensive tackle Mike DeVito and linebacker Derrick Johnson sustained the same injury in a Week 1 loss to Tennessee. Kansas City plays the New England Patriots...
Via Fox Sports Kansas City
Chiefs RB McKnight ruptures Achilles, done for season
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Running back Joe McKnight has ruptured his Achilles tendon, becoming the third Chiefs player to sustain the season-ending injury already this season. McKnight sustained the injury in practice Thursday. Defensive tackle Mike DeVito and linebacker Derrick Johnson sustained the same injury in a Week 1 loss to Tennessee. Kansas City plays the New England Patriots...
Via AP on Fox
Joe McKnight Tears Achilles At Practice Before Patriots-Chiefs Game
Joe McKnight tore his Achilles at practice just four days after having a career game. The Kansas City Chiefs running back won't play against the New England Patriots on Monday night, and likely will be shut down for the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon. McKnight's injury was announced by the team on Friday. McKnight caught six passes out of the backfield for 64 yards...
Chiefs running back Joe McKnight ruptured his Achilles today
Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe McKnight ruptured his Achilles' tendon at Thursday's practice session and will miss the rest of the season according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. @TerezPaylor: Doug Pederson said McKnight ruptured his Achilles during yesterday's practice. Was running a route. Non-contact injury. This is an awful blow […] The post Chiefs running...
Via NFL Draft Diamonds
Chiefs RB Joe McKnight ruptures Achilles in practice
Chiefs RB Joe McKnight ruptured his Achilles tendon during Thursday's practice, according to B.J. Kissel of KCChiefs.com. This will almost certainly cost McKnight the remainder of the 2014 season, which is really unfortunate given that he is coming off of a solid Week 3 performance against the Dolphins in which he caught six passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Kansas City...
Via NFL Trade Rumors
Report: Dolphins players 'irate' over DC Kevin Coyle's game plan in loss to Chiefs
The Miami Dolphins have been outscored 63-25 following the team's Week 1 victory over the Patriots. What used to be a strength for the team—its defense—is now being exposed as its main weak link. Chiefs running backs Joe McKnight (who hadn't played in an NFL regular season game since December 2012) and Knile Davis gashed the Phins defense for 199 all-purpose yards (3 TDs...
Via The Sports Daily
September 22, 2014 | Discuss
Chiefs Place RB Joe McKnight & CB David Van **** PUP List
The Kansas City Chiefs have placed RB Joe McKnight and CB David Van **** on the PUP list to start training camp, according to Terez Paylor. McKnight, 26, signed a future/reserve contract with the Chiefs back in January. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery following the team's minicamp, so this shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Van ****, 23, missed part of OTAs with...
Via NFL Trade Rumors
July 21, 2014 | Discuss
Ranking the Kansas City Chiefs Free Agency Moves
The Kansas City Chiefs haven't made many headlines this offseason, nor have they brought in any of the big-name free agents that every fan pleads for. But before you bash John Dorsey or deem this offseason a failure, remember that championship teams are not built in free agency. The majority of the flashy free agent signings end up with either underwhelming results or the player...
Via cover32 - Chiefs
March 30, 2014 | Discuss
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I am looking at the wiring cavities now and one of the Orange n white stripes is cut, and there i...
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My ac light won't turn on and it's only blowing hot air.
had the clock spring and steering angle sensor replaced what cost?
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