Marines may deploy with LCS

QUANTICO, Va. - The Navy's newest frigate version of Littoral Combat Ship could carry contingents of Marines, according to a new Marine Corps operating concept. The new Marine Corps Operating Concept continues the tradition of deploying Marines in non-traditional vessels and sea-basing platforms, but opens the door for future operations on a broader role in maritime security, counter-piracy operations, and sea control aboard smaller surface ships, LCS, future frigates, T-AKE dry dock cargo ships, and Arleigh Burke destroyers. A survivability upgrade will soon transform the LCS program into future frigates with more weaponry and retrofits for existing LCS. The process of building and fielding the future frigate is expected to begin after 2018. (Source: Military.com 09/29/16) Gulf Coast Note: One of the two variants of current LCS (Independence class) is built by Austal USA shipyard of Mobile, Ala.