How does the LCS deployment sit with existing agreements between Singapore and the United States?The deployment of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) will contribute to the United States' (U.S.) continued presence in and engagement with the region. Singapore's support for the LCS deployment is in line with the Singapore-U.S. 1990 Memorandum of Understanding and the 2005 Singapore-U.S. Strategic Framework Agreement, which underscores both sides' long-standing belief that the U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific is beneficial for regional peace and stability. Over the years, Singapore has allowed military aircraft and vessels from the U.S., as well as other countries, the use of our facilities.

When and how many LCS will be deployed to Singapore?

The United States is working with Singapore for one or two LCS to use Singapore's facilities after tests and trials on these new ships are completed. The first LCS, the USS Freedom, will be deployed from Apr 2013.

Will more LCS be deployed to Singapore beyond 2013?Dr Ng had conveyed to Secretary Panetta during their meeting on 2 Jun 2012 Singapore's in-principle agreement to the United States' request to deploy up to four LCS to Singapore on a rotational basis. However, working-level discussions between the RSN and the USN on the deployment details and arrangements are still ongoing, and these will still need to be finalised and agreed upon before the remaining deployments can proceed.

What will the LCS be doing in the region and how long will each LCS be deployed in Singapore?

Like other U.S. ships deployed to the region, we can expect the LCS to make other port calls in the region and to engage regional navies through activities such as exercises and exchanges when it is deployed here. For example, LCS is expected to participate in the upcoming International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) in Singapore and in select phases of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) throughout the region. Hence, we expect the LCS to call into and out of Singapore on a regular basis when they are deployed here, and the amount of time that each LCS will spend in Singapore during each port call will vary.

Will the LCS be based in Singapore?

The LCS will not be based or homeported in Singapore.

What is Singapore's role during the deployment of the LCS?Singapore facilitates the US Navy's provision of logistics support (including resupply, maintenance and minor repairs etc.) to the LCS while the LCS is at Changi Naval Base.

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 an LCS calls into Singapore. Family members of the LCS crew will not live in Singapore.

How many personnel are there on the LCS?The LCS deploying this spring has a core crew of 50, which can be augmented to a total of 91, depending on the mission.