Click On Image For Full Size Image	Size	Image Description		Contributed By And/Or Copyright
1502001a	161k	27 May 2004: Washington DC - The U.S. Navy announced today that General Dynamics - Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, will be one of two defense contracting teams awarded contract options for final system design with options for detail design and construction of up to two Flight 0 Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). The LCS is an entirely new breed of U.S. Navy warship. A fast, agile, and networked surface combatant, LCS's modular, focused-mission design will provide Combatant Commanders the required warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility to ensure maritime dominance and access for the joint force. LCS will operate with focused-mission packages that deploy manned and unmanned vehicles to execute missions including, Special Operations Forces (SOF) support, high-speed transit, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP). (Artist concept provided to the U.S. Navy courtesy of General Dynamics, Photo #040527-O-0000G-004, from the Navy Newstand)		Mike Smolinski Clifton, N.J. Archive Manager DE / FF / LCS Archive Navsource
1502001b	492k	undated: Mobile, Ala. - An aerial view of the Austal USA shipyard, the American branch of operations for Australian shipbuilder Austal. Founded in 1999 along the west bank of Blakely Island on the Mobile River in Mobile, Alabama. The shipyard was initially engaged in building high-speed aluminum ferries, such as the Lake Express for service across Lake Michigan, and the Alakai for Hawaii Superferry. Construction on the first Littoral Combat Ship of the USS Independence variant was begun in 2006. In conjunction with the General Dynamics Corp., all of the planned Independence Class LCS's will be built here. (Photo courtesy of AUSTAL, USA)
1502002	116k	19 January 2006: Mobile, Ala. - The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, the Honorable Delores Etter, center, shakes hands with Executive Chairman of Austal Ltd., Mr. John Rothwell, after her initials were inscribed onto a piece of Littoral Combat Ship Two (LCS 2) during the ship's keel laying ceremony. LCS 2’s speed, crew compliment and mission capabilities will be similar to Freedom (LCS 1), its sister ship. The Navy's 2nd Littoral Combat Ship is scheduled for commissioning in 2008. (U.S. Navy photo #060119-N-0000X-001, from the Navy Newstand)
1502003	183k	19 January 2006: Mobile, Ala. - The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, the Honorable Delores Etter, center, shakes hands with Executive Chairman of Austal Ltd., Mr. John Rothwell, after her initials were inscribed onto a piece of Littoral Combat Ship Two (LCS 2) during the ship's keel laying ceremony. LCS 2’s speed, crew compliment and mission capabilities will be similar to Freedom (LCS 1), its sister ship. The Navy's 2nd Littoral Combat Ship is scheduled for commissioning in 2008. (U.S. Navy photo #060119-N-0000X-001, from the Navy Newstand)
223k        160k        150k        189k 07 August 2007: Mobile, Ala. - Four photos taken as Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter, is guided onto the aluminum hull of the pre-commissioned ship Independence (LCS 2) during a tour of Austal Shipyards. Austal is one of three shipyards that has been contracted to build the littoral combat ship. The SecNav toured the shipyard to further his understanding of the challenges facing the U.S. shipbuilding industry. (U.S. Navy photos #070807-N-3642E-042, #070807-N-3642E-165, #070807-N-3642E-180 and 070807-N-3642E-062 by Shawn P. Eklund from the Navy Newstand)
1502007	79k	27 April 2008: Mobile, Ala. - A view of Independence sitting tied up at Austal.		Richard B. Cushing ENCM, USN (ret.) Hudson, Fla.
1502004	153k	27 April 2008: Mobile, Ala. - USS Independence being prepared for her launching. She was moved to a floating drydock, from which she'll be floated off after the launching ceremony.		Bill "Pinch" Paisley Instapinch Blog
1502005	92k	29 April 2008: Mobile, Ala. - The drydock is being lowered in preparation for floating off USS Independence.
1502006	176k	29 April 2008: Mobile, Ala. USS Independence sits tied up in front of an erecting shed at Austal.
1502017	195k	04 October 2008: Mobile, Ala. - Doreen Scott, wife of the 10th Master Chief Petty of the Navy Terry D. Scott, breaks the champagne bottle during a christening ceremony for the Pre-Commissiong Unit Independence (LCS 2). (U.S. Navy photo #081004-N-5549O-113 by MC2 Kevin S. O'Brien from the Navy News Stand)		Lee Wahler Lcdr., USN (ret.) Jacksonville, Fla.
96k        204k        189k        105k  152k        157k        94k        205k        163k 02 July 2009: Mobile, Ala. - The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Independence (LCS 2), the U. S. Navy's first trimaran littoral combat ship, departs Mobile, Ala. to begin builder's sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico July 2, 2009. (U.S. Navy photos courtesy of General Dynamics, from the Navy Newstand)				Mike Hibbing
1502018	129k	16 November 2009: Mobile, Ala. - The littoral combat ship Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Independence (LCS 2) pulls away from the pier for her acceptance trials at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. (U.S. Navy photo #091116-N-3594V-092 and 091116-N-3594V-080 by MC2 Elizabeth Vlahos from the Navy News Stand)		Lee Wahler Lcdr., USN (ret.) Jacksonville, Fla.
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1502020	192k	16 January 2010: Mobile, Ala. - The sailors who will set the first watch stand at attention during the commissioning ceremony of the Navy's newest littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2). (U.S. Navy photo #100116-N-8273J-138 by MC1 Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst from the Navy News Stand)		Mike Smolinski Clifton, N.J. Archive Manager DE / FF / LCS Archive Navsource
1502021	156k	16 January 2010: Mobile, Ala. - The new littoral combat ship, USS Independence (LCS 2) is pier side during her commissioning ceremony. Independence is the second of two littoral combat ships designed to operate in shallow water environments to counter threats in coastal regions. (U.S. Navy photo #100116-N-8273J-025 by MC1 Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst from the Navy News Stand)
1502022	423k	29 March 2010: Key West, Fla. - The Navy's newest littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) arrives at Mole Pier at Naval Air Station Key West. Independence is on the way to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before sailing to its homeport in San Diego. Independence is a fast, agile, mission-focused ship specifically designed to defeat "anti-access" threats in shallow, coastal water regions, including surface craft, diesel submarines and mines. (U.S. Navy photo #100329-N-1481K-315 by Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Nicholas Kontodiakos from the Navy News Stand)
1502023	505k	29 March 2010: Key West, Fla. - The Navy's newest littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) arrives at Mole Pier at Naval Air Station Key West. Independence is on the way to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before sailing to its homeport in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo #100329-N-1481K-298 by Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Nicholas Kontodiakos from the Navy News Stand)
1502024	285k	31 March 2010: Key West, Fla. - The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) is pier side during a port visit to Key West, Fla. Independence is enroute to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before transiting to its homeport in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo #100331-N-1876H-041 by Lt. Zachary Harrell from the Navy News Stand)
1502025	415k	02 April 2010: Mayport, Fla. - The Navy's newest littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) arrives in Naval Station Mayport. Independence is enroute to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before sailing to its homeport in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo #100402-N-8590G-002 by MC2 Gary Granger Jr. from the Navy News Stand)		Shelia M. Hinds
1502026	264k	02 April 2010: Mayport, Fla. - The Navy's newest littoral combat ship, USS Independence (LCS 2), approaches Naval Station Mayport for a port call. Independence is enroute to Norfolk, Va., for commencement of initial testing and evaluation of the aluminum vessel before sailing to its homeport in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo #100402-N-8590G-003 by MC2 Gary Granger Jr. from the Navy News Stand)		Mike Smolinski Clifton, N.J. Archive Manager DE / FF / LCS Archive Navsource
1502027	182k	14 April 2010: Norfolk, Va. - The littoral combat ship Independence arrives at Naval Station Norfolk. Independence conducted tests of the ship's capabilities and extensive training with the SeaRam anti-ship missile defense weapon system during the transit from Austal USA shipyards in Mobile, Ala. to homeport in Norfolk. Independence will depart Naval Station Norfolk April 17 to participate in Fleet Week in Port Everglades, Fla. (U.S. Navy photo #100414-N-9589S-016 by MC2 Richard J. Stevens from the Navy News Stand)
1502028	313k	14 April 2010: Norfolk, Va. - Independence departs Naval Station Norfolk as the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) departs for sea trials. This photo was shot when Enterprise was underway for sea trials after spending more than two years in a maintenance period at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo #100417-N-8710W-001 by MCC Stephen White from the Navy News Stand)		Shelia M. Hinds
1502029	387k	17 April 2010: Little Creek, Va. - The U.S. Coast Guard coastal patrol boat Cochito (WPB 87329) is underway near Independence. (U.S. Navy photo #100417-N-8710W-036 from the Navy News Stand)		Mike Smolinski Clifton, N.J. Archive Manager DE / FF / LCS Archive Navsource
1502030	266k	26 April 2010: Port Everglades, Fla. - Independence enters Port Everglades for the start of Fleet Week Port Everglades. This is the twentieth Fleet Week Port Everglades, South Florida's annual celebration of the Maritime Services. More than 2,500 American and German sailors, marines and coast guardsmen will participate in a number of community outreach activities and enjoy the hospitality and tourism of South Florida. (U.S. Navy photo #100426-N-1522S-014 by MC1 Leah Stiles from the Navy News Stand)
1502031	324k	26 April 2010: Port Everglades, Fla. - Independence enters Port Everglades for the start of Fleet Week Port Everglades. This is the twentieth Fleet Week Port Everglades, South Florida's annual celebration of the Maritime Services. More than 2,500 American and German sailors, marines and coast guardsmen will participate in a number of community outreach activities and enjoy the hospitality and tourism of South Florida. (U.S. Navy photo #100426-N-1522S-013 by MC1 Leah Stiles from the Navy News Stand)
1502032	220k	06 May 2010: Norfolk, Va. - Independence arrives at BAE Systems Ship Repair in Norfolk, Va. to begin its first industrial post-delivery availability. During the availability, the ship will complete the installation of needed components not installed during construction. (Photo #00506-N-9999K-0011 courtesy BAE Systems Ship Repair by Ed Ketz from the Navy News Stand)
1502033	441k	25 August 2010: Norfolk, Va. - Independence takes on fuel at Pier 9 from a Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Norfolk Fuels Department barge. The ship was issued 64,243 gallons of diesel fuel. FISC Norfolk issues 216 million gallons of fuel annually in support of U.S. 2nd Fleet ships and aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo #100825-N-2174P-002 by Bill Pointer from the Navy News Stand)
1502034	296k	01 October 2010: Norfolk, Va. - A photo taken by John of Independence moored at the Norfolk Naval Station Destroyer Submarine piers across from USS Norfolk(SSN 714)		John Hummel
1502050	464k	21 January 2011: Jacksonville, Fla. - Independence while berthed at BAE Systems shipyard in Jacksonville undergoing topside and engine repairs.		Lee Wahler Lcdr., USN (ret.) Jacksonville, Fla.
1502035	223k	25 February 2011: Mayport, Fla. - Two shots of Independence taken by Lee at the Mayport Naval Station.
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1502037	293k	03 September 2011: St. Petersburg, Fla. - Visitors tour the flight deck of the littoral combat ship Independence. Independence is visiting the port of St. Petersburg for open public ship tours over the Labor Day weekend. (U.S. Navy photo #110903-N-MN502-137 by Lt. Matthew Comer from the Navy News Stand)		Mike Smolinski Clifton, N.J. Archive Manager DE / FF / LCS Archive Navsource
1502038	207k	12 September 2011: Pensacola, Fla. - The littoral combat ship USS Independence makes preparations at Naval Air Station Pensacola before getting underway in the Gulf of Mexico for a series of drills and training exercises. (U.S. Navy photo #110912-N-AU606-002 by Ens. Caleb White from the Navy News Stand)
1502039	252k	17 October 2011: Newport, R.I. - The littoral combat ship Independence transits Narragansett Bay en route to participate in the 20th International Seapower Symposium at the U.S. Naval War College. (U.S. Navy photo #111017-N-ZZ999-001 by Cmdr. Jason Salata from the Navy News Stand)
1502049	257k	07 January 2012: the Gulf of Mexico - The Remote Minehunting System and an AN/AQS-20 mine hunting sonar are brought aboard the littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) during developmental testing of the mine warfare mission module package. (U.S. Navy photo #120107-N-PB086-060 by Ron Newsome from the Navy News Stand)
1502040	278k	09 April 2012: Mayport, Fla. - The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) pulls out of Naval Station Mayport as the ship begins transit to her homeport of San Diego. Sailors from Independence's Gold Crew and embarked Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Squadron, Detachment 1, are underway for the ship's maiden voyage to San Diego after completing testing on the MCM mission package. (U.S. Navy photo #120409-N-YR391-044 by MC2 Gary Granger, Jr. from the Navy News Stand)
1502041	124k	09 April 2012: the Atlantic Ocean - Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Robert Chittenden signals an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Swamp Foxes of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 to land on the flight deck of the littoral combat ship Independence. Sailors assigned to Independence's Gold Crew and embarked Mine Countermeasures Squadron, Detachment 1, departed Naval Station Mayport for the transit to San Diego after successfully completing testing on the mine countermeasures mission package. (U.S. Navy photo #120409-N-ZS026-501 by MC2 Trevor Welsh from the Navy News Stand)
1502042	305k	09 April 2012: the Atlantic Ocean - The littoral combat ship USS Independence is underway in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. Sailors assigned to Independence's Gold crew and embarked Mine Countermeasures Squadron, Detachment 1, departed Naval Station Mayport for the transit to San Diego after successfully completing testing on the mine countermeasures mission package. (U.S. Navy photo #120409-N-ZS026-305 by MC2 Trevor Welsh from the Navy News Stand)
1502043	169k	15 April 2012: the Panama Canal - Cmdr. Gerald Olin, commanding officer of the littoral combat ship Independence communicates with the officer of the deck from the bridge as the ship passes through the Gatun Lock during its first Panama Canal transit. The Gatun Lock is the first step in the Panama Canal transit where the Atlantic Ocean ends and the canal begins. Independence is underway for the ship's maiden voyage to San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo #120415-N-ZS026-070 by MC2 Trevor Welsh from the Navy News Stand)
1502044	477k	15 April 2012: the Panama Canal - Littoral combat ship USS Independence prepares to exit the Gatun Lock during the ship's first Panama Canal transit. The Gatun Lock is the first step in the Panama Canal transit where the Atlantic Ocean ends and the canal begins. (U.S. Navy photo #120415-N-ZS026-139 by MC2 Trevor Welsh from the Navy News Stand)
1502045	314k	16 April 2012: the Panama Canal - The littoral combat ship USS Independence passes under the Bridge of the Americas and enters the Pacific Ocean for the first time. The bridge, located in Balboa, Panama, connects the North and South American landmasses and marks the end of the Panama Canal. Independence's Gold Crew and embarked Mine Countermeasure Squadron, Detachment 1, are underway for the ship's transit to its homeport of San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo #120416-N-ZS026-116 by MC2 Trevor Welsh from the Navy News Stand)
1502046	386k	02 May 2012: San Diego, Cal. - The littoral combat ship USS Independence completes her maiden voyage with arrival in her homeport of San Diego. After two years of training off the coast of Florida, the ship's 23-day transit from Mayport, Fla. to San Diego marks the successful completion of testing of the mine countermeasures mission package to detect, localize, and destroy mines in a tactical environment. Independence also transited the Panama Canal and conducted a port visit and operations with the Mexican navy. The littoral combat ship is a fast, agile, networked surface combatant designed to operate in the near-shore environment, while capable of open-ocean tasking, and win against 21st-century coastal threats such as submarines, mines, and swarming small craft. (U.S. Navy photo #120502-N-ZZ999-013 by Lt. Jan Shultis from the Navy News Stand)
1502047	238k	02 May 2012: San Diego, Cal. - The first of class littoral combat ships USS Freedom (LCS 1), left, and USS Independence (LCS 2), maneuver together during an exercise off the coast of Southern California. The littoral combat ship is a fast, agile, networked surface combatant designed to operate in the near-shore environment, while capable of open-ocean tasking, and win against 21st-century coastal threats such as submarines, mines, and swarming small craft. (U.S. Navy photo #120502-N-ZZ999-009 by Lt. Jan Shultis from the Navy News Stand)
1502048	510k	18 July 2012: San Diego, Cal. - The Littoral Combat Ship Independence recovers a boat while moored at Naval Base San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo #120718-N-ZC343-858 by MCCS Joe Kane from the Navy News Stand)
1502055	443k	06 June 2019: Portland, Ore. - The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) passes USS Pinckney (DDG 91) before mooring in Portland. Both ships are visiting for Portland Fleet Week, a time-honored celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Oregon to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. (U.S. Navy photo #190606-N-DX615-1057 by MCC Alan Gragg from the U.S. Navy Page on Flickr)
1502056	523k	06 July 2014: Pearl Harbor, Hi. - The littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) arrives to participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from 26 June to 01 August, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2014 is the 24th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo #140706-N-QG393-015 by MC2 Tiarra Fulgham from the U.S. Navy Page on Flickr)
1502057	620k	27 February 2019: the Pacific Ocean - The Independence variant littoral combat ships USS Independence (LCS 2), left, USS Manchester (LCS 14), and USS Tulsa (LCS 16) are underway in formation in the eastern Pacific. Littoral combat ships are high-speed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface combatants designed for operations in the littoral environment, yet fully capable of open ocean operations. As part of the surface fleet, LCS has the ability to counter and outpace evolving threats independently or within a network of surface combatants. (U.S. Navy photo #190227-N-FC670-255 by MCC Shannon Renfroe from the U.S. Navy Page on Flickr)
1502058	411k	29 July 2021: San Diego, Cal. - Littoral combat USS Independence (LCS 2) is moored alongside the pier during its decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base San Diego. Independence was decommissioned after more than 10 years of distinguished service. Commissioned on 16 January 2010, USS Independence has been a test and training ship and was key in developing the operational concepts foundational to the current configuration and deployment of today’s LCS. The decommissioning of LCS 2 supports department-wide business process reform initiatives to free up time, resources, and manpower in support of increased lethality. The LCS remains a fast, agile, and networked surface combatant, designed to operate in near-shore environments, while capable of open-ocean tasking and winning against 21st-century coastal threats. (U.S. Navy photo #210729-N-EQ038-1003 by MC1 Jason Abrams from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)
1.) 476k   2.) 299k   3.) 261k   4.) 262k   5.) 410k 6.) 229k   7.) 445k   8.) 249k   9.) 518k   10.) 384k 29 July 2021: San Diego, Cal. - USS Independence was decommissioned after more than 10 years of distinguished service. Photos #1 to #4 show the arrival of Vice Admiral Roy I. Kitchener, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Captain Michael B. Riley, Chief of Staff, NSTC (1st CO of Independence Blue crew); Captain John Fay, Commodore, LCSRON ONE; and Commander James Davenport, Commanding Officer, USS Independence. Photo #5 shows Vice Admiral Kitchener giving the keynote address of the ceremony. In photo #6, Vice Admiral Kitchener presents Commander Davenport with an “End-of-Tour” award. Photo #7 shows the ship's crew deliver the ensign and commissioning pennant, which is presented to Command Senior Chief Robert Strupczewski in photo #8. Photos #9 and #10 show Vadm. Kitchener and Commander Davenport being “piped over the side” of Independence for the last time. (U. S. Navy photos by MC1 Jason Abrams from the from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service) 1.) 210729-N-EQ038-1047 6.) 210729-N-EQ038-1114 2.) 210729-N-EQ038-1041 7.) 210729-N-EQ038-1147 3.) 210729-N-EQ038-1037 8.) 210729-N-EQ038-1150 4.) 210729-N-EQ038-1032 9.) 210729-N-EQ038-1181 5.) 210729-N-EQ038-1089 10.) 210729-N-EQ038-1186
1502071	407k	Items sent to Navsource courtesy of Independence's last commanding officer, Commander James Davenport. The top photo is the one used by the ship's Public Affairs Officer for news articles and associated articles and events. The lower one is a lithograph of a painting by Naval artist Tom Freeman.		Jim Davenport Commander, U.S. Navy Last Commanding Officer USS Independence
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1502069	307k	31 July 2021: San Diego, Cal. - USS Independence (LCS 2) is towed from Naval Base San Diego with plans for equipment to be removed as required to support other littoral combat ship (LCS) operations. Independence was decommissioned after more than 10 years of distinguished service. (U.S. Navy photo #210731-N-EQ038-1024 and 210731-N-EQ038-1028 by MC1 Jason Abrams from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)		Mike Smolinski Clifton, N.J. Archive Manager DE / FF / LCS Archive Navsource
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Independence Memorabilia
Ship's Emblem Courtesy of Wolfgang Hechler	Welcome Aboard Pamphlet Courtesy of Ron Reeves	Challenge Coin (CO) Courtesy of Jim Davenport	Challenge Coin (CPO) Courtesy of Mike Smolinski	Decommissioning Booklet Courtesy of Jim Davenport	Squadron Patch Courtesy of Don McGrogan

Contact information is compiled from various sources over a period of time and may, or may not, be correct. Every effort has been
made to list the newest contact. However, our entry is only as good as the latest information that's been sent to us. We list only
a contact for the ship if one has been sent to us. We do NOT have crew lists or rosters available. Please see the Frequently Asked
Questions section on Navsource's Main Page for that information.

Additional Resources

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View Independence's Official Web page
USS Independence History on U.S. Carriers
Tin Can Sailors
The U.S. Navy Memorial
The Destroyer Escort Historical Museum
The Destroyer History Foundation

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This page created on 16 October 2005, and is maintained by Mike Smolinski by Paul R. Yarnall, All Rights Reserved. Page Last Updated: 13 December 2021