McCain vows LCS review

U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)  signaled Jan. 7 there will be a review of the Navy's altered-course plans for the Littoral Combat Ship program. McCain said those plans will be “the subject of significant scrutiny and oversight in the coming year." Asked if he expects the Navy to seek funds beyond previous LCS plans to make changes, McCain replied sarcastically: "Of course. Doesn't it always?" In mid-December, the Navy announced plans to convert LCS into a Small Surface Combat Ship, a change that would require a number of upgrades and changes. The SASC chairman for years has often hammered the Navy and Pentagon leaders about LCS design and cost issues. Some proponents have said the senator has, more recently, resisted acknowledging the program's progress. (Source: Defense News 01/07/15) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding Note: Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Ala., builds the Independence Class of LCS - one of the two variants under contract to the Navy.