U.S. Navy Told That New $37 Billion Ship Not 'Survivable' In Combat

The Littoral Combat Ship -- derided by critics inside the Navy as the “Little Crappy Ship”-- has been beset by troubles since 2005 as the price doubled to $440 million per vessel. Nicholas Kontodiakos/U.S. Navy

Ships Costing U.S. $37 Billion Lack Firepower, Navy Told -- Bloomberg

The U.S. Navy’s troubled Littoral Combat Ship, a vessel intended to be small and speedy for use in shallow waters close to shore, lacks the firepower it needs, a top U.S. navy commander said in a classified memo.

Vice Admiral Tom Copeman, the commander of naval surface forces, called on the Navy to consider a ship with more offensive capability after the first 24 vessels are built, according to a Navy official who asked not to be identified discussing the confidential document.

Copeman’s memo, prepared late last year at the request of Admiral Jonathan Greenert, the chief of naval operations, indicates the Navy may be starting to re-examine the $37 billion program. The ship has been beset by troubles, including cracks and corrosion, its price has doubled since 2005 to $440 million per vessel and a decision to build two versions will add to longterm operating costs.

A review could lead to an eventual redesign of the ship or the development of an entirely new vessel.

Read more ....

My Comment: Can anyone spell "fiasco".