Navy Commissions Final Littoral Combat Ship as Controversial Program Comes to an End

The U.S. Navy has commissioned USS Cleveland (LCS 31), officially closing out the Littoral Combat Ship program after more than two decades marked by cost overruns, mechanical failures, and shifting mission requirements.

The ceremony took place Friday in Cleveland, Ohio, with Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao praising the crew as the ship entered active service.

“Today we celebrate the sailors who breathe life into this ship,” Cao said during the ceremony. “To the officers and crew of USS Cleveland, today is your day.” 

Cleveland is the 16th and final Freedom-variant LCS built by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine