LCS Class Support Equipment

The LCS Class Support Equipment program is a Navy procurement initiative under budget line item 0944, focused on supporting the operational availability and sustainment of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) fleet. The program's primary objective is to procure long-lead major end items, battle spares, and the connective equipment required for repairs and ongoing maintenance of both LCS variants Freedom and Independence. By investing in these assets, the Navy aims to reduce repair part procurement and delivery times. This approach is intended to increase the readiness and availability of LCS vessels for fleet operations.

LN001 - LCS Battle Spares is a key component of this line item, dedicated to acquiring shore-based support equipment that serves as critical battle spares. These spares include major systems such as the Ships Service Diesel Generator for both Independence and Freedom variants, MT-30 Gas Turbine Engine Ancillary Equipment, Twin-Boom Extensible Cranes, Sea Giraffe 3D Radars, Reduction Gears, Air Conditioning Plants, Boat Davits, Water Purification systems, and Mk-110 Gun Mounts. The goal is to ensure that these high-value components are available on an as-needed basis to address failures or major casualties. This supports rapid restoration of LCS operational capability.

LN002 - LCS Water Jet Spares addresses the unique propulsion requirements of the LCS fleet by procuring water jets and associated shaft assemblies for both variants. There are five different water jet configurations in use, and this line item supports a rotatable pool of assemblies to ensure life cycle sustainment. The availability of these propulsion components is critical for maintaining the maneuverability and mission readiness of LCS vessels. This is especially important given their operational focus on littoral (near-shore) environments.

LN003 - Engineering Services funds a range of technical, engineering, and transportation support activities required for the successful integration and sustainment of LCS Class Support Equipment. This includes the development of Technical Data Packages (TDPs), creation of depot-level repair parts lists, installation planning, and logistical support for moving equipment where needed. These services are essential for ensuring that procured equipment can be efficiently installed and maintained, and that technical documentation is kept current to support ongoing fleet operations.

LN006 - LCS Ships Class Ancillary Equipment provides funding for the procurement of connective and ancillary equipment necessary to ensure the proper fit and function of installed battle spares. This includes brackets, mounts, and other hardware required to integrate major components into the ship's systems. By addressing these integration needs, the Navy ensures that replacement and spare parts can be rapidly and reliably installed. This minimizes downtime and supports mission continuity.

The justification for the LCS Class Support Equipment program is rooted in the need to mitigate long lead times for repairs and to mainstream the sustainment of the LCS platform. By using reliability, maintainability, and availability (RM&A) data, as well as input from the LCS technical community, the Navy determines inventory objectives for battle spares and support equipment. This proactive approach is intended to normalize LCS sustainment practices and ensure that the fleet remains a viable and responsive asset within the Navy's broader operational portfolio. The FY 2026 request reflects a continued focus on efficiency and alignment with broader government cost-saving initiatives, as evidenced by a minor reduction for advisory services in accordance with Executive Order 14222.