Changes to Littoral Combat Ship program after breakdowns spur Navy review

The U.S. Navy has completed a review of its Littoral Combat Ship program after the fourth mechanical breakdown on a ship in the last year spurred a stand-down order.

In July, the Navy’s first LCS, Freedom, had a problem with its main propulsion causing a leak that let seawater into the engine lube oil system. In August, the USS Coronado had a problem.

The Freedom and the Coronado were the third and fourth Littoral Combat Ships to experience engineering problems within a 12-month span.

After the review, the Navy said it is changing the way it crews these ships in order to create more ownership and cut down on mechanical problems.

Mayport is preparing for 12 of the next generation ships set to arrive over the next five years.

Cox Media Group