Frequently Asked Questions - Deployment of the Littoral Combat Ship

1. How does the LCS deployment sit with existing agreements between Singapore and the United States?

Singapore's support for the LCS deployment is in line with the Singapore-US 1990 Memorandum of Understanding and the 2005 Singapore-US Strategic Framework Agreement, which underscore both sides' long-standing belief that the US presence in the Asia-Pacific is beneficial for regional peace, stability and prosperity. Over the years, Singapore has allowed military aircraft and vessels from the US, as well as other countries, the use of our facilities. The deployment of the LCS will further contribute to the US' continued presence in and engagement with the region.

2. When and how many LCS will be deployed to Singapore? Will more LCS be deployed to Singapore beyond 2014?

Building on the successful deployment of the first LCS, the USS Freedom, to Singapore from March to December 2013, a second LCS, the USSFort Worth, has commenced a 16-month rotational deployment to the region. The Fort Worth will be followed by additional LCS deployments, which could potentially lead to the routine presence of up to four rotationally deployed LCS in the region.

These deployments are in line with Singapore's in-principle agreement to the US' request to deploy up to four LCS to Singapore on a rotational basis, which Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen had conveyed to then-US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in 2012. This agreement has been reaffirmed by senior leaders from both countries, including in the Joint Statement by Dr Ng and US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in Dec 2013, and demonstrated in practice by the deployment of the USS Freedom and the USS Fort Worth. Bilateral discussions on the specific details and arrangements for future deployments are making good progress. 

3. What will the USS Fort Worth be doing in the region? Are there differences between the deployments of the USS Fort Worth and the USS Freedom?

During its deployment, the USS Freedom took part in bilateral exercises with partner navies in the region. It also took part in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in Nov 2013. Like the USS Freedom, we can expect the USS Fort Worth to make port calls in the region and to engage regional navies through exercises and exchanges during its deployment. Hence, we expect the USS Fort Worth to call into and out of Singapore on a regular basis when it is deployed here. The amount of time that each LCS will spend in Singapore will vary.

The USS Fort Worth will possess more capabilities, and be deployed to the region for six months longer than the USS Freedom. This will allow the USS Fort Worth to visit more ports and conduct more exercises, such as Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Ex CARAT), with regional navies. Like the USS Freedom, the USS Fort Worth will participate in Ex CARAT Singapore, as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the strong and long-standing partnership between the US Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). 

4. Why has the duration of this LCS deployment been increased from 10 to 16 months

This is due to the LCS' new manning concept for the USS Fort Worth, which will allow the ship to be rotationally deployed for a longer duration. 

5. How does Singapore support the deployment of the LCS?

The LCS will refuel, replenish supplies and carry out maintenance at our naval bases.

6. Will the LCS be based in Singapore?

The LCS will not be based or home-ported in Singapore. Consistent with the rotational deployment concept, the LCS will remain home-ported in San Diego, California.

7. Will the LCS crew and their families live in Singapore?

LCS crew members will live on board the LCS throughout the duration of their deployment, including when the LCS visits Singapore. Family members of the LCS crew will not live in Singapore.

8. How many personnel are there on the LCS?

The USS Fort Worth has a core crew of 50, which can be augmented to a total of 96, depending on the mission.

Last updated on 22 Nov 2014

More Resources

• Joint Statement From US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen