New frigate expected at sea in 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Navy expects to field its new frigate in 2024 while continuing to provide its Littoral Combat Ship industrial base - Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., and Marinette (Wis.) Marine - with 2018 orders for more LCS, according to testimony by Sean Stackley, acting secretary of the Navy. Testifying June 15 before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Stackley said the Navy’s FY 2018 budget request will include “two littoral combat ships, one of which is to follow in an amended budget proposal." When requirements for the new frigate are better defined, which the Navy is working on, the sea service will ask the shipbuilding industry to find the “knees and the curves” and possible technologies, along with a cost schedule, according to CNO Adm. John Richardson. The Navy intends to put out Request for Proposals next year and getting them back in 2019; and awarding a contract in 2020 after a “competitive frigate down-select,” according to Stackley. (Source: Seapower Magazine 06/15/17)