Littoral Combat Ship Sets Sail on First Deployment

摘要

As the littoral combat ship USS Freedom sets out for Singapore this spring, Navy officials are hoping a smooth first deployment will finally prove the ship's worth to critics. The ship's defenders boast that it is lighter, faster and adaptable, with a modularity that will allow it to accomplish many different missions. However, opponents claim the program is too expensive and the ships are not tough enough to withstand combat.