SAN DIEGO (July 29, 2021) Littoral combat USS Independence (LCS 2) is moored alongside the pier during its decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base San Diego. Independence was decommissioned after more than 10 years of distinguished service. Commissioned Jan. 16, 2010, USS Independence has been a test and training ship and was key in developing the operational concepts foundational to the current configuration and deployment of today’s LCS. The decommissioning of LCS 2 supports department-wide business process reform initiatives to free up time, resources, and manpower in support of increased lethality. The LCS remains a fast, agile, and networked surface combatant, designed to operate in near-shore environments, while capable of open-ocean tasking and winning against 21st-century coastal threats. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Abrams/Released)