LCS can't quickly swap missions

The Navy concluded that its littoral combat ships would take weeks to change missions, not days as originally hoped. The ships were seen as substitutes for frigates, minesweepers and patrol boats, but a study shows that although they can serve as anti-piracy vessels and other deterrents, they aren't able to fulfill most of the Navy's fleet missions. (Source: Defense News, 07/14/12) Gulf Coast note: One version of the LCS is built by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.