[Llarry]

The annual defense budget -- finally passed after many months of drama -- has provided some clarity on the future of the U.S. Navy's corvettes (or small frigates) -- designated Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs).

The plan is to retain 10 Freedom class (LCS 1) monohull ships in the active force with these ships to emphasize surface warfare. Oddly, for a ship emphasizing surface warfare, I can find no photos of a Freedom class with surface to surface missile armament. The last three ships of the class have yet to be delivered to the Navy; many early ships have been or will be retired. Freedom class LCSs are split between the Atlantic and Pacific.

The plan is also to retain 15 Independence class (LCS 2) aluminum trimarans in the force with these ships to emphasize mine countermeasures. Like the Freedom class, early ships will be decommissioned. I believe all 15 of these ships will be active in the Pacific.