The U.S. Navy is set to decommission the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), on July 29, 2026, during a ceremony at Naval Base San Diego. This decision allows the Navy to redirect investments towards upgrading the remaining LCS inventory with enhanced capabilities, supporting the "Fleet of the Future" initiative.
The decommissioning ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. PDT, will feature a principal address by the honorable Gordon England, former Secretary of the Navy. Remarks will also be delivered by U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Matthew Kawas, Ms. Jill J.R. Labbe, and U.S. Navy Capt. (ret.) Warren Cupps, honoring the ship's service and its Sailors' dedication.
USS Fort Worth served as both an operational unit and a crucial test platform, playing a significant role in defining the operational configuration and deployment capabilities of the LCS platform. Its early retirement is part of a strategy to sustain the LCS program, ensuring active ships remain relevant, combat-credible, and reliable throughout their service lives.
Littoral Combat Ships are designed as fast, optimally manned, and mission-tailored surface combatants capable of operating in both near-shore and open-ocean environments. They integrate with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support global missions including forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. The LCS class includes two variants, Freedom and Independence, with USS Fort Worth being a Freedom-class vessel built in Marinette, Wisconsin.