Topic: Program Progress
What is happening with the program right now?
A. The program is progressing on schedule and on budget. USS Freedom, the nation’s first LCS, is undergoing preparations to become a part of the Navy’s operational fleet. LCS 3, the future USS Forth Worth, is nearly 100 percent complete, and trials are scheduled for spring 2012. The fifth LCS – Milwaukee – started its construction this summer and keel laying took place in October 2011. LCS 7, the future USS Detroit, is in the early stages of construction at Marinette Marine Corporation in Wisconsin. We are incorporating lessons learned from the actual construction and the feedback from the sailors who operate USS Freedom, to follow on ships.
Topic: Economic Impact
Can you talk about the economic impact of this program to the area – today and in the future?
A. This contract award of 10 ships to the Lockheed Martin/Marinette Marine / Gibbs & Cox team provides significant economic benefits.
An economic impact study on the program found that it at the program’s peak (2014, delivering two ships/year), the Lockheed Martin/Marinette Marine LCS program can generate nearly 13,000 jobs across the nation. The Lockheed Martin-led industry team has 700 suppliers in 43 states.
The Marinette Marine shipyard has plans to expand its facilities and hire more employees in the next few years to support production of two LCSs per year.
Topic: International Sales
What is happening with sales of LCS to foreign militaries?
A. The LCS’ ability to meet mission needs in shallow waters has caught the attention of navies around the world. So far, several international navies have expressed interested or requested briefs on LCS.
In addition to interest in the ship itself, some international navies have expressed interest in some of the LCS systems and sub-systems, such as our level of automation, launch, recovery and handling system and sustainment tools.
Topic: Budget Cuts
Is the LCS program going to be impacted by budget cuts?
A. The United States Government is focused on driving affordability and efficiency in all areas. We are aligned with that thought process. While we can’t speculate on what might happen, we can focus on continuing to deliver this capability to our warfighters on time and on budget.
Topic: Ships Replaced by LCS
What Ships Will the LCS replace?
A. The 55 LCS-class ships will replace 30 FFG-7 Oliver Hazard Perry Class frigates, 14 MCM Avenger Class mine countermeasures vessels, 12 MHC-51 Osprey Class coastal mine hunters.
