PACIFIC OCEAN (May, 12, 2022) An AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missile launches from the surface-to-surface missile module (SSMM) aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8). The missile exercise was the first proof of concept launch of the Longbow Hellfire missile against a land-based target. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Samuel Hardgrove)