The littoral combat ship pre-commissioning unit Independence (LCS 2) is the second ship in a new design of next-generation combat vessel for close-to-shore operations.

MOBILE, Ala. (May. 28, 2008) The littoral combat ship pre-commissioning unit Independence (LCS 2) is the second ship in a new design of next-generation combat vessel for close-to-shore operations. The ship will have a crew of less than 40 Sailors and will be able to reach a sustained speed of up to 40 knots. The larger flight deck will accommodate two SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters. (U.S. Navy photo) File# 080428-N-3625R-001