4 LCS to new development squadron

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Navy established a new unit at Naval Base San Diego on May 22 that will serve as a fount of experimentation for the surface warfare community to accelerate the lethality and combat readiness of its warships. Naval Surface Force and Pacific Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Richard discussed the announcement with reporters about establishment of the Surface Development Squadron One (SURFDEVRON ONE) to execute operational testing and evaluation of new and emerging surface war-fighting capabilities. Brown said the new squadron will soon be adding up to three Zumwalt DDGs because if their advanced capabilities and potential. Future plans are to get the Navy’s Sea Hunter unmanned surface vehicle (USV) transferred to the squadron, he said. The Navy is experimenting with Sea Hunter to develop navigation capabilities, concepts of operation and sensor configurations for USVs. Brown also envisions Large USVs and Medium USVs for the fleet in the 2020s will be assigned to the development squadron. “The possibilities are endless,” he said. The Navy’s first four littoral combat ships (LCS) - Freedom, Independence, Fort Worth and Coronado - would be transferring to the squadron. These LCS are currently non-deploying test ships to support development of the fleet of successor to LCS and their mission packages. Capt. Hank Adams is the first commanding officer of Surface Development Squadron One. (Source: Seapower Magazine 05/22/19) Gulf Coast Note: USS Independence and USS Coronado are Independence-variant LCS built by Austal USA shipyards in Mobile, Ala.