What is the USS Nantucket?

The USS Nantucket (LCS 27) is the final littoral combat ship commissioned by the US Navy, on May 16, 2026.

Why was the LCS program controversial?

The LCS program faced issues with reliability, maintenance, and combat capability, leading to reduced orders and early retirements.

What replaces the LCS?

The US Navy is transitioning to the Constellation-class frigate, designed to address the LCS's shortcomings.

US Navy commissions final LCS after years of issues

The US Navy commissioned the USS Nantucket (LCS 27), the final littoral combat ship (LCS), on May 16, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts. This marks the end of a program that has faced significant technical and operational challenges since its inception.

The LCS program, which began in the early 2000s, aimed to produce fast, modular ships for operations in shallow waters. However, issues with reliability, maintenance, and combat capability have plagued the fleet. The Navy has been reducing the number of planned ships and retiring some early models.

USS Nantucket is a Freedom-variant LCS, built by Lockheed Martin at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin. It is the 35th and final LCS delivered to the Navy. The ship will be homeported in Mayport, Florida.

The Navy is now focusing on the next-generation frigate, the Constellation class, which is designed to address the shortcomings of the LCS program.