LCS-1 docked across from the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) at Naval Station Norfolk on 10 January 2009. Taken from the flight deck of the Bush, after its commissioning ceremony. From Navy Times:
The estimated cost of the first of the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships rose a modest $6 million over the past year, but the price tag to complete the second LCS jumped $68 million, putting the ship over the $700 million mark, Pentagon budget documents show.
The price to build, outfit and deliver the Freedom (LCS 1) now is $637 million, up from last year’s estimate of $631 million. The ship was delivered to the Navy last September and commissioned in November, but the service and shipbuilder Lockheed Martin will continue to complete the warship well into 2009, as intended.
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My Comment: $700 million for a ship .... I remember when an aircraft carrier cost $700 million. New like this makes me understand why Congress wants a Navy building plan NOW.