1
For more on the DDG-1000 and CG(X), see CRS Report RL32109, Navy DDG-1000 (DD(X)),
CG(X), and LCS Ship Acquisition Programs: Oversight Issues and Options for Congress, by
Ronald O’Rourke.
2
For more on the Navy’s role in the GWOT, see CRS Report RS22373, Navy Role in Global War
on Terrorism (GWOT) — Background and Issues for Congress, by Ronald O’Rourke.
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Order Code RS21305
Updated August 18, 2006
Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS):
Background and Issues for Congress
Ronald O’Rourke
Specialist in National Defense
Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
Summary
The Navy’s proposed FY2007 budget requests $521 million to procure two Littoral
Combat Ships (LCSs). The House-reported version of the FY2007 defense
appropriations bill (H.R. 5631) recommends approval of this request. The Senate-
reported version recommends funding one LCS in FY2007 and rescinding funding for
one of the three LCSs procured in FY2006. For a longer discussion of the LCS
program, see CRS Report RL32109, Navy DDG-1000 (DD(X)), CG(X), and LCS Ship
Acquisition Programs: Oversight Issues and Options for Congress, by Ronald
O’Rourke. This report will be updated as events warrant.
Background
The LCS is part of a proposed family of next-generation Navy surface combatants
that also includes the much-larger DDG-1000 (formerly DD(X)) destroyer and CG(X)
cruiser.
1
The LCS is a small, fast surface combatant that uses modular “plug-and-fight”
mission payload packages, including unmanned vehicles (UVs). The primary intended
missions of the LCS are countering enemy mines, submarines, and fast attack craft (i.e.,
“swarm boats”) in heavily contested littoral (near-shore) waters. Secondary LCS missions
include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); maritime intercept; special
operations forces (SOF) support; and logistics support for movement of personnel and
supplies. The LCS is also increasingly mentioned in connection with the Navy’s role in
the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).
2
