Efforts to shape the future frigate's requirements have highlighted a debate between the secretary of the Navy and top uniformed officials over whether the service needs more capable warships or more vessels in general, according to naval analysts watching the program. The Navy plans to meet former-Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's direction to build a more lethal, more survivable small surface combatant by building an upgraded Littoral Combat Ship with increased armor and weaponry. The new ship, called the fast frigate,...
