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First Phase of LCS Mine Countermeasure Mission Package Testing Concludes

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101216-22
12/16/2010

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Navy successfully completed the first phase of shipboard mine countermeasure mission package (MCM MP) testing on USS Independence (LCS 2) Dec. 10, enabling the service to progress toward developmental testing in 2011.

Comprehensive testing on Independence included the installation and removal of all the mission modules and systems, including removable mission equipment.

"I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this event," said Capt. John Ailes, littoral combat ship (LCS) mission modules program manager. "The successful integration of the full MCM mission package on USS Independence gives us great confidence as we enter developmental testing."

The MCM MP first phase testing demonstrated the full mission cycle from reconfiguration of the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from vertical replenishment to the mission package with Organic Airborne Mine Countermeasures equipment; removal of that equipment from support containers; handling to the MH-60S and back, including installation, built-in testing and tow-cable maintenance. The MCM MP reconfiguration demonstrated system movement from stowage positions, built-in testing and return to stowage. Combat system connectivity and launch and recovery antenna communication link performance, in and out of the mission bay, were also demonstrated. Initial operating capability for the MCM MP is scheduled for 2013.

LCSs are fast, agile and networked surface combatants optimized for operating in the littorals to assure access for joint forces. The primary missions for the LCS includes countering littoral mine threats, diesel submarine threats and surface threats such as small surface craft attacks. The underlying strength of these ships lies in the ability to quickly reconfigure the ship with specific equipment tailored to its current mission. The three current options are the mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare or surface warfare mission package.

These mission packages provide a modular, focused capability to combatant commanders. A mission package consists of mission modules, mission crew detachments and support aircraft. Mission modules combine mission systems (vehicles, sensors and weapons) and support equipment that install into a LCS using standard interfaces.

Program Executive Office Littoral and Mine Warfare, an affiliated program executive office of Naval Sea Systems Command, designs, delivers and maintains the systems, equipment and weapons needed by the warfighter to dominate the littoral battle space and provide the warfighter assured access to coastal areas.