Study: Stretch out LCS production

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Navy should consider stretching out production of the littoral combat ship past the planned 2019 cutoff, according to a 90-page report released by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. The military wants to build 55 of the close-to-shore vessels as replacements for vessels being phased out. Austal USA's shipyard in Mobile is nearing completion of one LCS prototype. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 03/18/09)