Way ahead for LCS programme

Based on a comprehensive review of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) acquisition program, Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter said he is prepared to lift a previously issued stop work order for construction of LCS 3. The ship is currently under contract to Lockheed Martin Corp. Maritime Systems & Sensors unit, Moorestown, N.J. Lifting the stop work order is contingent upon the Navy and Lockheed Martin reaching agreement on a renegotiated contract.

As a result of a nearly two-month assessment, the Navy has revalidated the war-fighting requirement and developed a restructured program plan for the LCS that will improve management oversight, implement more strict cost control, incorporate selective contract restructuring and ensure that an important war-fighting capability is provided to the fleet consistent with a realistic schedule.

This plan will ensure best value to the Navy for the completion of LCS ships 1-4, procurement of existing designs in fiscal 2008 and 2009 to fill the critical war-fighting gap and establish a sound framework for transition to a single selected design in fiscal 2010. The Navy will work closely with Congress on reprogramming actions necessary to bring this program forward.