The Navy plans to make six Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs) - two Independence class and four Freedom class vessels - available for sale through its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program in the next two years. The oldest and youngest of the ships intended to be sold have been in service for under eight and three years, respectively. The Navy publicly raised the possibility of selling a number of LCSs in 2022. The six LCS were presented in its 2024 long-range shipbuilding plan. The Navy currently has 13 Independence LCSs in active service - four under construction or being fitted out. There are 10 Freedom class in active service - five being fitted out or prepared to enter service. Two Independence and one Freedom class vessels have been decommissioned. The newest Freedom class ship, USS Cleveland (LCS 31), was launched days ago at the Fincantieri (Wis.) Marinette Marine. The new shipbuilding plan stipulates USS Jackson (LCS 6) and Montgomery (LCS 8) will be made available for sale via the Navy's FMS program. They were commissioned in 2015 and 2016. In FY-25, USS Wichita (LCS 13), Billings (LCS 15), Indianapolis (LCS 17) and St Louis (LCS 19) will similarly go via FMS. There has been no indication the Navy has buyers for any of the LCS. (The Drive 04/24/23) Navynts To Sell-Off Six Nearly New Littoral Combat Ships (msn.com) Wa
Regional Note: The even-numbered Independence class LCS hulls are built at Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Ala.
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