What does the acronym “LCS” stand for?

The acronym “LCS” stands for Littoral Combat Ship. This designation is specifically used to identify a class of vessels in the U.S. Navy designed to conduct operations in coastal (or littoral) waters. The Littoral Combat Ship is built for versatility and speed, with capabilities that allow it to operate in shallow waters while engaging in a variety of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures.

The design of LCS vessels emphasizes modular construction and the ability to quickly adapt to multiple mission roles through the use of mission packages, which contribute to operational flexibility. This capability is crucial for responding to threats that may arise from near coastal regions, where traditional naval ships may find it challenging to operate.