Then answers will be even more interesting ... especially to #2 and #4.
From the May, 23 2013 House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee mark: ... Given the central role of the LCS for the future of the surface fleet, the committee has concerns about the Navy’s long-term sustainment plan. Therefore, the committee directs the Comptroller General of the United States to analyze and review:Hat Tip USNINews.
(1) Plans to collect and analyze data during the USS Freedom’s Singapore deployment, as well as any mid-point or final reports of lessons learned from the deployment;
(2) Projected costs associated with providing preventive and depot maintenance including, but not limited to, an analysis of the alternatives considered in the use of contractor fly-away maintenance teams and U.S. Government and commercial shipyards;
(3) Progress on meeting targets established in the LCS plan of action and milestones;
(4) Lifecycle cost estimates for the variants of the LCS and their associated mission modules compared with other Navy ship classes; and 190(5)Any other issue that the Comptroller General determines appropriate with respect to the sustainment of the LCS platform and its associated mission modules, including modifications and improvements to reduce long-term sustainment costs and improve efficiencies. The committee directs the Comptroller General of the United States to provide to the congressional defense committees a preliminary briefing by March 3, 2014, on the above factors, with a report or reports to follow by May 30, 2014.