Navy will double dry-docking interval for Independence LCS

The Navy will begin doubling the dry-docking period for Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships starting in fiscal year 2025, according to a Navy spokesman.

"The Navy has determined that the dry-docking interval can be doubled for the Independence-class variant of the LCS class, after a number of technical steps (ship changes and class maintenance plan updates) are taken," Navy spokesman Alan Baribeau told Inside Defense in a written statement today.

The Navy is already making or scheduling the changes, he added.

"Although hull conditions will continue to be evaluated, the Navy expects that ships due for dry docking starting in [FY-25] can be extended to the new periodicity," he continued.

Inside Defense previously reported the Navy was investigating whether the ship's hull and other appendages could withstand the ocean's corrosive effects for up to 64 months rather than 32 months.

Baribeau also said the Freedom-class LCS already doubled its dry-docking schedule.