LCS reflects small-crew push

MOBILE, Ala. – The littoral combat ship now being fitted out at the Austal USA shipyard is an example of the Navy's push to reduce the number of crew members. The ship, which will be named the Independence, has a core crew of 40, but another 15 accompany mission packages and nearly two dozen support aviation operations. That means a fully-staffed crew of 78, well under the 200 one might expect of a 379-foot vessel. Austal and contract workers are now correcting problems noted by the Navy. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 01/05/10)