Ship to Shore Connector

The Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) program is a major Navy shipbuilding initiative under Budget Line Item 5112, designed to replace the aging Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) fleet. The primary goal of the SSC program is to provide the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with a modernized capability to rapidly transport assault forces, equipment, and vehicles from ships at sea to shore, including operations over challenging terrain such as ice, mud, rivers, swamps, and marshes. This capability is essential for supporting amphibious operations and fulfilling Unified Command Plan (UCP) missions, ensuring the Joint Force Commander's ability to conduct operations across the full spectrum of littoral environments.

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, the SSC program requests mandatory funding for the procurement of one additional SSC craft. This funding is justified by the need to continue the replacement of LCAC vessels that have reached or exceeded their service life, with the first LCACs beginning to do so in 2015. The mandatory funds are allocated specifically for contract award and construction activities, as outlined in Section 20002 (Shipbuilding) of the Reconciliation Exhibit. The program does not request discretionary funding for FY 2026, reflecting a targeted approach to meet critical operational needs.

The SSC craft features an aluminum hull, an overall length of 91.8 feet, a beam of 48.3 feet, and a displacement of 180.57 metric tons. The design incorporates advanced Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) systems, including MT7 engines, skirt, and composite components. These upgrades are intended to improve reliability, maintainability, and operational performance compared to legacy LCACs. The design and engineering work is managed by NAVSEA in partnership with Textron, Inc., the primary shipbuilder for the SSC program.

Production scheduling for the SSC program is detailed and phased, with contract awards and construction starts staggered to ensure a steady delivery of new craft. Delivery timelines for current and future SSC units range from 2025 through 2032, with fitting out and obligation work limits extending into 2033. This approach allows the Navy to maintain amphibious lift capacity while transitioning from the older LCAC fleet to the new SSCs. The program's production schedule is closely managed to align with operational requirements and shipyard capacity.

Cost analysis for the SSC program includes basic construction, electronics, HM&E, change orders, and ordnance. These costs reflect investments in advanced propulsion, materials, and systems integration. The program also includes funding for outfitting and post-delivery activities to ensure each SSC is fully mission-ready upon delivery.

The Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) budget line within the SSC program supports procurement of major items such as MT7 engines and skirt components, as well as ship design and engineering services. HM&E costs cover the acquisition of critical propulsion and structural components. These investments are essential to achieving the program's performance and reliability objectives.

The Ship to Shore Connector program's objectives are to modernize the Navy's amphibious lift capability, enhance operational flexibility in littoral environments, and ensure the continued ability to support joint force operations. The program's funding requests, production schedules, and cost allocations are structured to meet these goals efficiently, with a focus on replacing legacy assets, integrating advanced technologies, and maintaining readiness for future contingencies.