ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy has been reducing its patrol boat force in recent years and proposes to continue that trend by retiring its rather new Mark VI patrol boats under the fiscal 2022 budget, after having retired its entire riverine force.

As the Navy pivots to reshape its force to focus on high-end capabilities to counter China and Russia, the relatively flat 2022 budget is demanding some sacrifices, and the Navy chose to inactivate its fleet of 12 Mark VI PBs.  

Last year the Navy changed the names of the units that had operated the 78-foot-long Mark VI PBs and the smaller coastal and harbor — and previously riverine — patrol boats. The Coastal Riverine Force is now known as the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force. 

“Riverine warfare is no longer an assigned mission area for the United States Navy, and the legacy name no longer captures the roles and missions of our force,” said Lt. Cmdr. Amber Lewis, a spokeswoman for Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). “The new name captures the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force’s (MESF’s) growing green and blue-water fleet integration and contributions to the high-end fight in an era of great power competition, which are more robust than the legacy riverine roles.” 

The change is significant. The Navy has operated riverine forces off and on over the decades, most recently restoring the capability during the Iraq War, assuming the role from the Marine Corps. The Navy built and sustained an impressive riverine capability during the Vietnam War, but most of that capability was turned over to the South Vietnamese Navy as the United States ended its in-country force presence in South Vietnam. (The Navy Special Operations Command retains some small boat coastal and riverine capability for insertion and extraction of SEALs and other special operations forces.) 

In May 2012, the Navy selected a SAFE Boats International design for the Mark VI, eventually procuring 12 boats. Other Mark VI PBs are being procured by Ukraine. The first Mark VI PBs were delivered to the Navy on Aug. 27, 2014, and were delivered to NECC in September 2015. Some of the PBs have been deployed to the Persian Gulf and to Guam. 

The Mark VI is the largest craft in the MESF. It can patrol shallow littoral waters beyond sheltered harbors and bays. The PBs are used for maritime intercept; escort; infrastructure protection; theater security cooperation; security force assistance; and visit, board, search and seizure operations. They can launch UAVs and UUVs. The PBs are armed with Mk38 25mm guns and .50-caliber machine guns and feature integrated workstations, shock-mitigating seats, a galley and a shower. 

In addition to the Mark VI PBs, the MESF operates 164 patrol craft. These include 117 SeaArk 34-foot Dauntless-class patrol boats and 17 SAFE Boats 25-foot Oswald-class patrol boats. The riverine assault craft, riverine command boats and riverine patrol boats all have been retired and stored. The single Coastal Command Boat, a smaller predecessor to the Mark VI that was deployed to the 5th Fleet, was transferred to a test role in 2018. 

The current mainstay of the MESF, the SeaArk 34-foot patrol boat, performs the roles of high-value escort, port and harbor defense, and port security. The 34-foot boats are scheduled for replacement, beginning in June 2021 when the first new 40-foot patrol boats arrive, Lewis said. 

In October 2017, the Navy awarded a contract to Metal Shark for a new patrol boat, PB(X), to replace the service’s Oswald- and Dauntless-class tactical craft. Metal Shark’s 40-foot Defiant design actually is a 43-foot-long welded aluminum boat powered by twin diesel inboard engines. The boats have a wide-waterplane, sharp-entry hull capable of attaining 40 knots and enhanced handling at cruise speeds of 10 to 15 knots. The boats offer ballistic protection; an armored, climate-controlled pilothouse; five whole-body isolation suspension seats and an advanced communications, navigation and situational awareness suite.  

“Metal Shark Boats currently has 54 40-foot Patrol Boats [PBs] under contract, with two delivered for a total of 56,” said the Support Ships, Boats and Craft program office of the Program Executive Office – Ships. “To date, two boats have been delivered and 10 boats are in production and scheduled to be delivered in [fiscal 2021]. The current plan is to procure a total of 120 40-foot PBs over the next 10 years [to replace the 34-foot and 25-foot PBs].” 

The Navy also has ordered 24 Force Protection-Medium (FP-M) patrol boats from Lake Assault Boats LLC, which was awarded a contract for up to 119 FP-Ms in February 2020. The 33-foot-long aluminum V-hull boats will be used for harbor and waterway patrols, interrogation of other waterborne assets and escorting large vessels in and out of ports in various weather and water conditions. The first was scheduled for delivery this spring. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy Department’s fiscal 2022 budget requests totals $211.7 billion, a $3.8 billion increase over the enacted 2021 budget. The request includes funds for eight battle force ships and 107 aircraft. 

The Navy Department’s $211.7 billion request is part of the Defense Department’s $715 billion request. Defense programs in the Department of Energy total $37.9 billion. 

The department’s request includes $71.2 billion for operations and maintenance; $56.6 billion for personnel; $58.2 billion for procurement; $22.6 billion for research, development, test and evaluation; $150 million for revolving and management funds. 

SHIPS 

The procurement budget requests $22.6 billion for shipbuilding, a 3% reduction from the 2021 amount of $23.3 billion. The administration is planning incremental funding for the Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarine (SSBN) as well as the fifth increment of the detailed design and construction of the third Ford-class aircraft carrier, the future USS Enterprise and the fourth increment for the fourth Ford-class CVN, the future Dorie Miller. 

The Navy is planning on procuring two Block V Virginia-class attack submarines (SSNs), each with the Virginia Payload Module and funding advance procurement of the Block VI Virginia version; one Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer; one Constellation-class guided-missile frigate (FFG); one John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler (T-AO); two Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships (T-ATS); and one T-AGOS(X) ocean-surveillance ship. 

The shipbuilding procurement request also includes two LCAC 100-class ship-to-shore connectors, four LCU 1700-class utility landing craft and five used commercial logistics ships for conversion to sealift ships. Two older LCACs will be given service-life extensions.  

The shipbuilding budget also requests funds toward one America-class amphibious assault ship and an additional increment of funding for the future USS Pittsburgh, a Block II San Antonio-class amphibious platform dock ship.  

RDT&E funds for ships are planned for the Columbia SSBN, Ford-Class CVN, Virginia-class SSN, Future Attack Submarine (SSN(X)), Constellation-class FFG, Future Large Surface Combatant ((DDG(X)), Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS), Large USV, Orca UUV, Snakehead UUV and Mk18 UUV.  

The Navy anticipates delivery of 17 ships in fiscal 2022 and retirement of 15 ships. Deliveries include three Virginia-class SSNs, three Arleigh Burke-class DDGs, one Zumwalt-class DDG, one expeditionary staging base ship (ESB), one Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship, one John-Lewis-class T-AO and one Navajo-class T-ATS.  

Ships planned for retirement include four littoral combat ships (LCS 3, 4, 7 and 9), two Los Angeles-class SSNs, seven Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers (including two not previously planned for retirement — USS Hue City and USS Anzio), one Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship (LSD) and one Powhatan-class fleet ocean tug. Also planned for divestment are the Navy’s 12 Mark VI patrol boats.  

The Navy is decommissioning LCS 1 and 2 in 2021. The service moved the planned retirement of LCS 3 and 4 to 2022. These four ships, currently serving as training and research ships, no longer meet the desired capabilities for the class. LCS 7 and 9 are more modern. The reason LCS 5 was not selected for retirement is that it is preparing for deployment and that it made more sense to select LCS 7 and 9 for budget reasons, according to Rear Adm. John Gumbleton, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for budget, briefing reporters May 28. 

AIRCRAFT 

Funding of aircraft procurement for 2022 totals $16.5 billion, a 15.6% decrease from 2021’s $19.5 billion. Navy aircraft requested for 2022 include 20 F-35C Lightning II strike fighters, five E-2D Advanced Hawkeye battle management aircraft, three CMV-22B Osprey carrier-onboard-delivery aircraft and 36 TH-73A training helicopters. For the Marine Corps, the request includes funds for 17 F-35Bs, six KC-130J Super Hercules tanker/transport aircraft, nine CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters, five MV-22B Osprey assault transport tiltrotor aircraft and six MQ-9 extended-range Reaper medium-altitude surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles. 

Notably, the budget contains no further funding for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter, P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft, the VH-92A presidential transport helicopter or the training version of the E-6B Mercury strategic communications aircraft. Procurement of these types has been completed, assuming no additions by the Congress. There is no 2022 request for funding for the MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance UAV in that there is a pause in procurement while the UAV’s Integrated Functional Capability 4 is matured. 

RDT&E funds are programed for the F-35, CH-53E, VH-92A, Next-Generation Jammer, F/A-18E/F Advanced Infrared Search and Track (IRST), and MQ-25 Stingray UAV. 

The 2022 budget plan calls for accelerated divestment of legacy F/A-18A-D Hornet strike fighters, moving up the divestment of the 55 on strength from 2024 to 2022 and replacing them in the adversary role with F-16s transferred from the Air Force. Divestment of the RQ-4A Global Hawk Broad-Area Maritime Surveillance-Demonstrator UAV is planned for acceleration from 2023 to 2022, with the savings invested in higher priorities. 

WEAPONS 

Weapons procurement is slightly less that that of 2021, with $4.2 billion requested for 2022 to purchase 1,092 missiles and torpedoes, compared with $4.5 billion for 2,095 weapons in 2021. One missile type being added to the inventory for the first time is the AGGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JAASM), which has up until now has been an Air Force-only weapon. 

RDT&E funds are programmed for the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic weapon and the Navy Family of Laser Systems. 

PERSONNEL 

The 2022 budget calls for a reduction of active-component Sailors by 1,600 to a level of 346,200 Sailors. Part of the decrease is a planned result of some ship decommissionings. The reserve component is planned for a decrease of 200 personnel to 58,600 Sailors. 

WASHINGTON — Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) successfully conducted a test of the First Stage Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) on May 27 in Promontory, Utah, as part of the development of the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) offensive hypersonic strike capability and the Army’s Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), the Navy said in a release. 

This was the initial live fire test of the first stage SRM and is a vital step in the development of a Navy-designed common hypersonic missile that will be fielded by both the Navy and Army.  
 
The first stage SRM will be part of a new missile booster for the services, and will be combined with a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) to create the common hypersonic missile. Each service will use the common hypersonic missile, while developing individual weapon systems and launchers tailored for launch from sea or land. This successful SRM test represents a critical milestone leading up to the next Navy and Army joint flight test, which will take place in the first quarter of fiscal tear 2022, and ultimately the fielding of the CPS and LRHW weapon systems. 
 
The Department of Defense successfully tested the CHGB on March 20, 2020. The services are working closely with government national laboratories and industry to continue development and production of the CHGB. The Navy is the lead designer, and the Army leads production. 
 
Information gathered from this and future tests will further inform the services offensive hypersonic technology development. The Department of Defense is working in collaboration with industry, government national laboratories and academia to field hypersonic warfighting capability in the early-to mid-2020s. 
 
Hypersonic weapons, capable of flying at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5), are highly maneuverable and operate at varying altitudes. In a matter of minutes, Navy and Army warfighters can defeat high-value targets hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Delivering hypersonic weapons is one of the DoD’s highest priorities. 
 
The common hypersonic missile design for sea and land-based applications provides economies of scale for future production and relies upon a growing U.S. hypersonics industrial base. 

MOBILE, Ala. — The future USS Savannah (LCS 28) successfully concluded acceptance trials in the Gulf of Mexico May 14 after a series of in-port and underway demonstrations, the Program Executive Office Unmanned and Small Combatants Public Affairs said in a May 26 release. 

“I continue to be impressed with the outstanding results achieved by the Navy and industry team during acceptance trials for LCS ships. The future USS Savannah set the bar even higher and exceeded expectations. Our warfighting capabilities continue to evolve, and each LCS that meets this milestone further demonstrates progressive improvements in tactical performance and mission readiness,” said LCS program manager Capt. Mike Taylor. 

The Navy conducted comprehensive tests of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship’s systems during the trials, spanning multiple functional areas including main propulsion, auxiliaries and electrical systems. LCS 28 also performed a full-power demonstration, steering and quick reversal, anchor drop test and combat system detect-to-engage sequence. Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy, which is planned for late June. 

Following delivery and commissioning, Savannah will sail to California to be homeported in San Diego with sister ships USS Independence (LCS 2), USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS Montgomery (LCS 8), USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), USS Omaha (LCS 12), USS Manchester (LCS 14), USS Tulsa (LCS 16), USS Charleston (LCS 18), USS Cincinnati (LCS 20), USS Kansas City (LCS 22), USS Oakland (LCS 24) and USS Mobile (LCS 26). 

Four additional Independence-variant ships are under construction at Austal USA in Mobile. Final assembly is underway on Canberra (LCS 30) and Santa Barbara (LCS 32). Austal is fabricating modules for Augusta (LCS 34), and initial fabrication for Kingsville (LCS 36) has begun. The future USS Pierre (LCS 38) will begin fabrication later this year. 

LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable warship designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare missions. The Independence-variant LCS integrates new technology and capability to affordably support current and future mission, ranging from deep water to the littorals. 

LCS is now the Navy’s second-largest surface ship class in production, behind the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program. In 2019, three LCSs were delivered to the fleet, four were delivered in 2020, and four will again deliver in 2021 — a shipbuilding delivery pace not seen since the 1990s. 

ARLINGTON, Va.—The acting secretary of the Navy and chief of naval operations announced on May 26 today the following flag assignments: 

Rear Adm. (lower half) William E. Chase III, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned deputy commander, Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DODIN), U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.  Chase is currently serving as deputy principal cyber advisor to the secretary of defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Washington, D.C. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Brian L. Davies will be assigned additional duties as deputy commander, Second Fleet, Norfolk, Virginia. Davies will retain all currently assigned duties as commander, Submarine Group Two, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Jeffrey S. Scheidt will be assigned as deputy principal cyber advisor to the secretary of defense, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Washington, D.C. Scheidt is currently serving as deputy chief, computer network operations, National Security Agency, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Fort Meade, Maryland. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael J. Steffen will be assigned as commandant, Naval District Washington, Washington, D.C.  Steffen is currently serving as deputy commander, Second Fleet, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Capt. Anthony E. Rossi, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, Navy International Programs Office, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C. Rossi is currently serving as major program manager, Mission Integration and Special Programs Office, PMA 298, Patuxent River, Maryland. 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Huntington Ingalls Industries announced on May 25 a U.S. Navy order of two REMUS 300 unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). 

“REMUS UUVs have been used by the U.S. Navy for their defense operations for more than 20 years,” said Duane Fotheringham, president of the Unmanned Systems business group in HII’s Technical Solutions division. “We are pleased to provide them with the new REMUS 300 to support their critical national security missions.” 

The two-man portable, small-class UUV offers swappable energy modules with up to 10, 20 or 30 hours of endurance. The open architecture and modularity allow REMUS 300 to be tailored to specific mission requirements and enable spiral development and upgrades as technology evolves. 

Delivery of the commercial REMUS 300 UUVs is scheduled for mid-2022. 

SAN DIEGO — General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced in a May 24 release that the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) achieved the Navy’s target of 8,000 successful aircraft launches and recoveries during the ship’s 18-month post-delivery test and trial (PDT&T) period.   

“The last 18-months have been very exciting and challenging. We are proud of the record number of critical “firsts” EMALS and AAG achieved during this period to bring the systems into real-time operational readiness,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “Navy leadership set a clear goal of completing 8,000 catapult launches and arrestments during PDT&T. EMALS and AAG met and exceeded that goal with a 100% safety record.”   

During the January 2020 through April 30, 2021 PDT&T period, CVN 78 conducted 18 independent steaming events (ISE) involving night and day, all weather, and various sea state operations. Within the first three months, EMALS and AAG completed critical aircraft compatibility testing, flight deck certification and more than 2,000 successful aircraft launch and recovery cycles involving F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, E-2C/D Hawkeyes and Advanced Hawkeyes, C-2A Greyhounds, EA-18G Growlers, and T-45C Goshawks. By the 17th ISE in March 2021, EMALS and AAG had successfully completed 7,879 cats and traps aboard CVN 78. During the 18th and final ISE in April 2021, EMALS and AAG broke 8,000 by over 150 launches and recoveries.  

“What is also notable is that CVN 78 was the only East Coast carrier available for student aviator carrier training and pilot certification during this period,” Forney said. “EMALS and AAG played a critical role in helping over 400 pilots, including new student aviators, achieve their initial carrier qualifications or recertify their proficiency. The confidence placed in EMALS and AAG capabilities to safely launch and arrest both seasoned pilots as they sharpen their skillsets, and future naval aviators as they earn their wings of gold, is something we are extremely proud of.” 

GA-EMS is also delivering EMALS and AAG for the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and USS Enterprise (CVN 80). EMALS and AAG will provide greater flexibility over legacy systems to accommodate the current air wing, as well as future manned and unmanned aircraft. 

SAN DIEGO – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returned to San Diego, May 25, marking the completion of its deployment to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, the U.S. 3rd Fleet’s Public Affairs office said in a May 25 release. 

Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG), departed on deployment Dec. 23, 2020, to the U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operation. 

“Whether it was operating in the Indo-Pacific and the South China Sea or high northern latitudes in the Gulf of Alaska, Carrier Strike Group Nine demonstrated that the U.S. Navy is ready for anything,” said Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine. “We met the challenges that COVID-19 brought head-on and successfully deployed forward to work with our allies and partners from Australia, India, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea.” 

In U.S. 7th Fleet, Theodore Roosevelt’s primary mission was conducting maritime security operations, ensuring freedom of navigation and economic trade in the Indo-Pacific region. In support of allies and partners, Theodore Roosevelt conducted bilateral exercises with the Indian navy and air force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Navy, Republic of Korea navy, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force, focusing on building capabilities and increasing combat readiness to win the high-end fight. In May, Theodore Roosevelt participated in exercise Northern Edge 2021 in the Gulf of Alaska. 
 
“I am incredibly proud of this crew for all their hard work and sacrifice throughout this deployment,” said Capt. Eric Anduze, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “Our presence in the Indo-Pacific had a significant impact on maintaining stability and security in the region that would not have been possible without every single Sailor aboard.” 
 
Theodore Roosevelt joined forces with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to conduct dual-carrier operations and, on a later date, the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group in the South China Sea for expeditionary strike force operations, increasing interoperability as well as command and control capabilities. 
 
The TRCSG consists of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), Destroyer Squadron 23, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59). 
 
Theodore Roosevelt’s embarked air wing consists of the “Tomcatters” of Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 31, “Golden Warriors” of VFA-87, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Black Knights” of VFA-154, “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115, “The Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistic Support Squadron (VRC) 30 Detachment 3. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy has been heralded for the significant progress in increasing the mission-capable rates of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter fleet, but the initiatives that made it possible are not being limited to strike fighters, the admiral in charge of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) said.   

“It was never meant to be just for Super Hornets,” said Vice Adm. Dean Peters, commander, Naval Air Systems Command, speaking May 24 at a webinar preview — sponsored by SAIC and Government Matters — of the Navy League’s upcoming 2021 Sea-Air-Space Exposition. “The plan all along was we were going to replicate those across all of our aircraft, so that’s every shop within every shop within every depot, all of our intermediate-level maintenance sites, and all of our organizational-level sites at the squadron level.” 

The admiral said that one of the key elements of the Super Hornet’s readiness recovery was the establishment of a Super Hornet maintenance operations center in Norfolk, Virginia, which was able to manage all of the maintenance and resources for the Super Hornet enterprise.      

The same effort is being established for the EA-18G Growler electronic combat aircraft, P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft, the H-60Seahawk helicopter and the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor transport aircraft, he said. 

“Over the last couple of years — from about October 2018, that’s when we had broad efficacy for a number of these sustainment initiatives — we have been able to increase our mission-capable rates by 14%,” Peters said. “That’s 330 additional mission-capable aircraft for our aircrews to train in. So, I see this absolutely trending in the right direction. The readiness is always going to be a concern. Once you get to those readiness levels, you want to be able to sustain it.”    

Peters said there were two key aspects of the success.  

“The first is establishing the supported and supporting alignment that’s required,” he said. “The air boss at the time, [commander, Naval Air Forces Vice Adm. Dewolfe Miller III], [had a] requirement of 341 Super Hornets,” which Peters said was the metric that mattered and all else was to support that.  

Peters also said he “elevated the role of the program managers to be the quarterbacks of the sustainment effort and that’s something we had not done in the past. And the program executive officers are also stepping up to be the sustainment leads for those platforms that are under their purview. 

The second key was the use of commercial best practices, Peters said.  

“For the last 20 years we missed out on all of the improvements that were going on in commercial aviation,” he said, noting the focus on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. “Now we have the chance to incorporate some of these associated with how we do maintenance. It’s all about the workflow, the work content and velocity.” 

NAVAIR has established the Reliability Control Board, Peters said, “an all-encompassing effort that identifies improvements in reliability [and] in the maintenance plan, so that’s continually being revised. What we need going forward is just to continue to prioritize. If we can do that, then we will not only sustain readiness levels that we have achieved, but we will also continue to make incremental improvements. We’ll continue to improve lethality and survivability in addition to just the basic mission capability.” 

MOBILE, Ala. — The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26) during a ceremony in Mobile, Alabama, May 22, said commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. 

Due to COVID-19 limitations, 400 guests attended the socially distanced ceremony for the littoral combat ship named in honor of the city in which it was built. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), delivered the ceremony’s principal address. 
 
“The United States has been the greatest source of good in the history of the world and we will continue to be a force for good because of the brave men and women that we have here today,” said Tuberville. 
 
Guest speakers for the event also included Kay Ivey, governor of Alabama, Sandy Stimpson, mayor of Mobile, and James Geurts, performing the duties of the Undersecretary of the Navy. 

“The ships that this city has built are literally sailing on every ocean right now,” said Geurts, referencing ship manufacturer Austal USA, based in Mobile, Alabama. 
 
Rebecca Byrne, president and CEO of The Community Foundation of South Alabama and wife of former Alabama U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne, provided remarks as the ship’s sponsor. 
 
“We have the distinction of the USS Mobile being built and commissioned in its namesake city here in the historic port of Mobile,” said Byrne. “We welcome the ship to the United States fleet that bears our great name and comes on great Navy tradition.” 
 
During the ceremony, Mobile’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Christopher W. Wolff, reported the ship ready and Byrne gave the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life!
 
“The commissioning of the fleet’s newest warship is an awesome occasion and with it comes the equally awesome responsibility to prepare ourselves to go forward and conduct our nation’s business,” said Wolff. 
 
The ceremony completed a weeklong series of events celebrating the ship and its namesake city. USS Mobile is the fifth ship named in honor of the port city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. 
 
Mobile will be homeported in San Diego with sister ships USS Independence (LCS 2), USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS Montgomery (LCS 8), USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), USS Omaha (LCS 12), USS Manchester (LCS 14), USS Tulsa (LCS 16), USS Charleston (LCS 18), USS Cincinnati (LCS 20), USS Kansas City (LCS 22), and USS Oakland (LCS 24). 
 
The LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments while capable of open-ocean tasking. The LCS can support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.