The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of a Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 116, from Textron Systems in New Orleans, June 15.
The delivery strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to rapidly project combat power from sea to shore and supports the continued modernization of the amphibious fleet.
“LCAC 116 represents combat capability delivered to the Fleet,” said Capt. Chris Causee, program manager of the Amphibious Assault and Connectors Program Office. “Our focus is accelerating the transition from delivery to operational availability. Each additional connector strengthens the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to maneuver, sustain and respond decisively in complex environments.”
The SSC program is replacing the Navy’s legacy LCAC fleet and restores critical over-the-beach maneuver capability essential to amphibious operations. LCAC 116 increases the Navy’s capacity to move personnel, vehicles and equipment across contested littoral environments, directly supporting distributed maritime operations and global crisis response. The steady delivery of landing craft in serial production, with LCACs 117 through 129 currently under construction, reflects disciplined program execution and a strong partnership with industry while sustaining a stable and capable industrial base.
“The SSC program delivers the speed, flexibility and mobility our Sailors and Marines require to execute expeditionary operations around the globe,” said Melissa Kirkendall, Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive Maritime for Expeditionary & Mine Warfare. “Each craft delivered strengthens our amphibious force, supports maritime readiness and reflects our commitment to rapidly fielding critical capability to the warfighter.”
LCAC 116 completed Acceptance Trials conducted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey, validating the craft’s material readiness and performance against program requirements. With delivery complete, the craft will transition to Assault Craft Unit 4 for fleet integration, crew training and certification in preparation for operational employment.
The SSC retains the dimensions and well deck compatibility of the legacy LCAC while delivering improved reliability and maintainability. Fully compatible with well deck-equipped amphibious ships, the craft carries a 60- to 75-ton payload and transports weapon systems, vehicles, cargo and assault personnel across open ocean and over the beach.
The delivery of LCAC 116 underscores the Navy’s commitment to building America’s Fleet of the Future. For 250 years, American naval power has projected strength globally, operating forward 24/7, 365 days a year. This operational tempo demands continuous capability, and the Fleet of the Future is our answer.