The Littoral Combat Ship: Is the US Navy Assuming Too Much Risk?

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore the current risks associated with the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). There are several compelling reasons for the radical changes incorporated in the LCS design. A better understanding of the risks that the ship and crew will assume is vital to the proper use of this new platform and will help ensure the safety of both. This study does not advocate complete risk mitigation aboard the LCS, but strives to increase the overall risk awareness. The risk of combining so many new and untested elements on a single ship must be understood by all of those who are involved in its implementation. The arrival of the first LCS, projected to be operational in 2007, will represent a reduced manning concept designed from the ground up and the first of a new family of US naval combatants built to face the future maritime threats. With the proposed ship class of up to fifty-five ships, the US Navy needs to make sure that LCS is not assuming too much risk.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 16, 2006
Accession Number
ADA452042

Entities

People

  • Jonathan C. Russell

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boats
  • Climate Change
  • Littoral Combat Ships
  • Marine Transportation
  • Military Applications
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Risk Analysis
  • Uss Cole

Readers

  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design