CNO praises versatility of LCS

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., stressed the versatility of the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) at a press conference at Naval Air Station Pensacola. After touring the USS Independence (LCS 2) with the congressman, the CNO highlighted the value of the LCS's ability to be repackaged for multiple missions. "The thing that is of value about the LCS is that she has great volume, high speed, and is modular," said Greenert. "What that means is you can change out packages to perform different missions." The ship has been testing its new anti-mine warfare technology in the Gulf of Mexico since Feb. 20, and will be docking between sorties at NAS Pensacola throughout its training operation. (Source: NNS, 04/01/15) Two variants of the LCS are being built. The Independence class is built by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.