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CNO Speaks at LCS 2 Commissioning in Mobile

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100116-36
Release Date: 1/16/2010 10:39:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kyle P. Malloy, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

MOBILE, Ala. (NNS) -- Chief of naval operations (CNO) helped welcome the newest Littoral Combat Ship USS Independence (LCS 2) to the fleet at its commissioning ceremony in Mobile, Ala., Jan. 16.

CNO, Adm. Gary Roughead, spoke at the ceremony about the mission capabilities and the role USS Independence will have helping the Navy continue to be a global force for good.

"LCS will have the capability…to secure the littoral regions upon which communities rely on for food, transportation and for their well-being," said Roughead, "and to protect critical chokepoints in the global supply chain, to launch unmanned air, underwater and surface vehicles that will keep our trade at sea and our men and women ashore safe from harm."

Roughead went on to point out the impact this new class of ship will have on future naval operations.

"What this ship class will do, because of its modular capabilities, its speed, its shallow draft …will take the banner of American independence to the seas and shores of every continent and ensure the freedom and security of the seas upon which all nations rely," said Roughead.

CNO recognized the Sailors of the blue and gold crews aboard Independence who brought her to life, saying the commissioning could never have happened had it not been for their hard work and commitment.

"There are no two crews who are more important to this ship in its lifetime than yours. The standards that you set, the tone you will create will be with this ship forever." said Roughead.

Independence is the first LCS Independence Class vessel and is the second LCS ship to be commissioned, following USS Freedom (LCS 1). The new naval ship's design is to produce a highly technological and capable vessel, while promoting increased accuracy of maritime strategy operating close to shore.

For more news from Chief of Naval Operations, visit www.navy.mil/local/cno/.