Many Talents

摘要

With the keel laid and construction begun on the first Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), the Navy is intently focused on training the new vessels 40 crew members, a process that is setting a precedent for a future where far smaller crews will man new ships. The USS Freedom is scheduled for delivery in late 2006. It will be the first of two different LCS seaframes designed for littoral or coastal missions that require maneuverability, agility and speed. The LCS class will act as a platform for launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles. Its modular design will support interchangeable mission packages, allowing the ship to be reconfigured for antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis.