SAN DIEGO (July 31, 2021) The littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Independence (LCS 2) is towed from Naval Base San Diego with plans for equipment to be removed as required to support other LCS operations. Independence was decommissioned after more than 10 years of distinguished service. Commissioned Jan. 16, 2010, 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 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)