IG, Navy spar over new MCM package

The Defense Department’s Inspector General has criticized the Navy's management of a new mine-countermeasures (MCM) detection system for Littoral Combat Ships, which prompted Navy officials to declare that three of seven parts of the MCM mission package had reached initial operating capability (IOC) this summer. That meant sailors were considered equipped and trained to conduct mission operations with the AN/ASQ 235 Airborne Mine Neutralization System, Airborne Laser Mine Detection System, and the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis Block I system. When the Pentagon IG reviewed the three platforms, investigators found signs they weren't meeting requirements. Navy leaders hit back and challenged the findings. ALMDS and AMNS had "completed and exceeded expectations" for testing required by the LCS mine countermeasures mission package, and the COBRA successfully completed its first round of initial operational tests and evaluations to meet the requirements for IOC, the assistant secretary of the Navy told the IG. Navy officials argued that having training squadrons use the systems is the best way to identify and correct performance gaps. Those squadrons, working with ALMDS and AMNS, have not reported problems, Navy officials said; and shortcomings with COBRA have been corrected. The IG warned that: "Entering full-rate production without demonstrating a system can perform as required may require costly retrofits to fix undiscovered system deficiencies," and delay planned decommissioning of legacy ships, helicopters, and associated equipment if those deficiencies render the new system unable to perform full (MCM) missions. (Source: Military.com 08/03/18) Gulf Coast Note: Independence variant LCS are built at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.