US Navy aims for expeditious MCM host alternative
The US Navy plans to begin testing a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mine countermeasures (MCM) mission package (MP) on an Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) this summer to determine the feasibility of using ESBs to perform such missions.
The ‘integration event’ will take place on the USNS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams (ESB-4), said Colleen O’Rourke, a spokeswoman for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). ESB-4 is a new, 784ft-long mobile sea base built by General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) and operated by the navy’s Military Sealift Command.
While LCS, a small surface combatant, is the main platform for the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog]()
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare]()
Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare
Australia’s new defence innovation strategy indicates a shift from platform-centric to network-centric undersea warfare, with Ocius and Anduril Industries pointing to fast-growing opportunities for local industry.
