Sailors load a mine countermeasures unmanned surface vehicle into the mission bay of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) on Aug. 19, 2026. Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century threats. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)
Sailors load a mine countermeasures unmanned surface vehicle into the mission bay of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) on Aug. 19, 2026. Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century threats. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Nate Jordan)
NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (March 4, 2026) — Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) returned to its homeport of Naval Base San Diego after eight months of sustained operations in the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations. Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century threats. LCSs integrate with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe. (U.S. Navy video by Lt. Drew Verbis)
SAN DIEGO – U.S. Navy Cmdr. Thomas Hoffman was relieved by U.S. Navy Cmdr. Benjamin Mills as commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Kansas City (LCS 22) during a change of command ceremony held at BAE Systems Maritime Solutions San Diego, Aug, 10.
U.S. Navy Capt. James H. Hoey, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, was the presiding officer and guest speaker at the ceremony.
During Hoffman's time in command, Kansas City conducted extensive maintenance prior to entering the Docking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) ensuring the ships long-term material readiness.
Hoffman will be reporting as the commanding officer for Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26) later...
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