Ship to Shore Connector (SSC)

Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) falls under the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget activity. The specific goal of this program is to provide the capability to rapidly move assault forces within the littoral operational environment to accomplish Unified Command Plan (UCP) missions and ensure the Joint Force Commander's ability to conduct amphibious operations and operate over the high water mark. This program directly funds and supports the detail design, development, construction, issue resolution, certification, integration, and testing of the Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC). The lead craft (Craft 100) will be maintained as a test and training platform throughout its life cycle.

Furthermore, within this program, Project 3133 focuses on Ship-to-Shore Connectors Contract Design. It provides the preliminary and contract design efforts for the SSC Program. This includes supporting execution and completion of Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) upon completion of Post Delivery Test & Trials (PDT&T), as well as Follow-On Operational Test & Evaluation (FOT&E) during Fleet Exercises and Training to evaluate cold weather operations and execution of deferred OT&E. Additionally, Project 3137, SSC Construction, funds the Engineering & Manufacturing Development phase which includes Detail Design and Construction, Product Support, Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), Program support, and Outfitting and Post Delivery. This project also provides maintenance support for Craft 100 (Test and Training Craft) used for testing proposed craft changes and research and development efforts for LCAC class.

Overall, these projects aim to ensure the successful development and deployment of the Ship-to-Shore Connector system to meet the operational needs of the Navy in amphibious operations.