The Navy's program executive officer for the Littoral Combat Ships, Rear Adm. Brian Antonio, believes the overall attitude toward the vessels has grown more positive over the last year as the program continues to overcome hurdles, and with the recent extended deployment of the first ship. The eight-month deployment of the USS Freedom (LCS-1) to Singapore last year, coupled with the program proving out its viability and operational concept, has helped diminish some of the “trepidation” that existed only a…
