Navy: USS Montgomery Showcasing LCS Abilities During WESTPAC Deployment - USNI News

With a shallow draft and a forward-deployed maintenance team, USS Montgomery (LCS-8) is demonstrating how Littoral Combat Ships can extend the Navy’s reach in the Western Pacific, the ship’s commander said on Wednesday.


Independence-variant Montgomery deployed to the region in May and since arriving in the Western Pacific the ship has toured the region showcasing its capabilities, Cmdr. Edward Rosso told reporters. The ship had just returned to Singapore after completing the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-U.S. Exercise called AUMX.

“We’re fortunate enough to arrive and to be able to participate in some historic events. The U.S. Navy, along with our partners and allies, has long known the importance and value of working together and from my perspective that is exactly what Montgomery has done during this deployment,” Russo said. “We began our time in theater with a historic port visit to Davao City in the Philippines. It’s a beautiful port that was perfectly suited to receive our shallow hull Littoral Combat Ship. This was the first visit by a U.S. warship to that location in recent memory.”

Independence LCS, such as Montgomery, has a draft of 15.1-feet, according to the Navy. In comparison, an Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer has a draft of 31-feet.