Undersecretary Robert Work spoke about the future of the U.S. Navy’s surface combat fleet. He focused on budgetary constraints and proposals to reduce the size of the surface combat fleet. One proposal under consideration would reduce the surface fleet by one aircraft carrier, six frigates, and four cruisers. He also talked about development of a littoral combat ship (LCS).
LCS designs are slightly smaller than the US Navy’s guided missile frigates, and have been likened to corvettes of other navies. The ships have the capabilities of a small assault transport with a flight deck and hangar large enough to base two helicopters, the capability to recover and launch small boats from a stern ramp, and enough cargo volume and payload to deliver a small assault force to a port facility.