Once criticized, the Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) proves its value by foiling drug runs in Caribbean missions, signaling a potential new future for the troubled fleet.
The United States Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program has been repeatedly described as a costly misstep for the sea service. The two classes of small but fast warships, designed to operate in littoral near-shore waters, were primarily seen as a solution to an unclear problem. Due to technical issues, the service has even opted to retire some of the “oldest” vessels years before their end of service life, while others would be pawned off on regional partners and allies.
However, a year ago, the U.S. Navy began to find purpose in the LCS as modern mine countermeasures vessels, a move that could redefine their role within the fleet. Introducing the Mine Countermeasures Mission Package (MCM MP) aboard the USS Canberra marked a significant shift from traditional Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships to more versatile platforms.
At issue was that only the Independence-class variants, produced by Austal USA, proved suited to the transformations, replacing the service’s fourteen Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships (MCS). As the vessels are equipped with the MCM modules, fifteen of the Independence-class LCS vessels will take over that role.
Now, the Freedom-class, which was designed by Lockheed Martin and built by its Marinette Marine division, could have found its role, one that doesn’t need an expensive mission module.
The LCS: A Scourge to the Pirates of the Caribbean
Last month, the newly commissioned Freedom-class LCS USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul departed on her maiden deployment from Naval Station Mayport, Florida, with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. The “primary mission” was stated to “support counter-illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean,” the U.S. Navy announced.
Mission accomplished and then some.
The warship has been operating in the U.S. 4th Fleet’s area of responsibility, and the U.S. Southern Command announced that the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul has already conducted “two busts,” employing a combination of air and surface operations.
In total, 1,278.9 pounds of cocaine with a street value of nearly $9.5 million and 2,480 pounds of marijuana worth another $2.8 million were seized.
“The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul executed their duties seamlessly in the combined effort to protect the homeland from illicit maritime trafficking,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet.
“Working in coordination with the Coast Guard and our joint partners, we look forward to seeing continued measurable impact delivered by the professional and talented crew of the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul across the region.”
This isn’t the first time an LCS has been employed in a drug interdiction role, but it highlights that it could be the best warship for the job. There have been calls to transfer some aging vessels to partner nations in South America, which could further expand that role.
In addition, Greece has expressed interest in the vessels to stop smuggling, including human trafficking, around the thousands of islands in the Aegean Sea. At the same time, multiple partners in the Middle East have seen the warships as equally suited for operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Yet, the U.S. Navy has largely relegated the LCS to mine countermeasure ships in that region, which suggests they’re better against enemies trying to smuggle cargo or countering mines than engaging in a fight.
Given the limited air defenses, the LCS might not fare well, even against militant groups like the Houthis!
However, as drug busters, the LCS seems ideally tailored.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image Credit: Shutterstock/ Joanne Dale.
