Littoral Combat Ship cuts aren't a done deal

Wisconsin members of Congress say they will continue to push for the construction of 52 Littoral Combat Ships despite a Defense Department proposal to trim the program to 32 vessels.

Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette is one of two shipyards building the warship which is designed to operate in shallow coastal waters. About 2,000 people show up to work at the shipyard on a daily basis.

U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble, R-Sherwood, said the ship is a key tool for the Navy and that Monday’s announcement of the planned cuts to the program aren’t a done deal.

“The future of the LCS, or its next iteration, is far from settled and there are numerous debates and discussions that will be occurring in the days and weeks ahead,” Ribble said in a press release.

“I have had dozens of discussions with the Navy, Marinette Marine, and the Department of Defense on the needs of the Navy and the future of the LCS and I will continue to work aggressively on preserving our national security during an era of limited defense budgets."

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said she also continues to back the full program.

“I have fought for and will continue to fight for this program because it employs thousands of hardworking Wisconsinites and positively impacts not only the local community but has a ripple effect across the state, boosting our made in Wisconsin economy,” she said in a e-mailed statement.

Lockheed Martin in the prime contractor on the ships being built in Marinette, which is in the middle of a 10-ship contract. Another version of the ship is being built by Austal USA in Alabama.

“We are currently reviewing the Pentagon’s spending plan as outlined today by Secretary Hagel, and we’ll continue to assess the budget once the President delivers it to Congress and they begin their appropriations process,” Lockheed Martin said in an e-mailed statement.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the program would be trimmed by 20 ships and the design given another look.

“Additionally, at my direction, the Navy will submit alternative proposals to procure a capable and lethal small surface combatant, generally consistent with the capabilities of a frigate. I’ve directed the Navy to consider a completely new design, existing ship designs, and a modified LCS,” Hagel said during a press conference on Monday. “These proposals are due to me later this year in time to inform next year’s budget submission.”

The proposed budget is expected to be given to Congress next week.

“The Navy fully supports the program, but the Navy is also supportive of the president’s budget,” Chris Johnson, a spokesman with Naval Sea Systems Command, said Tuesday.