The option for a second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) has now been confirmed following the announcement in October 2005 for the first General Dynamics / Austal LCS. Based on the 127 metre advanced Austal trimaran seaframe, which forms the platform for the ship’s operational and combat systems, the new vessel will be built alongside “Independence” which is currently in an advanced stage of construction in Austal’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard. Recent Navy reports have speculated on an expanded acquisition strategy, from four to a possible seventeen, for the Flight 0 fleet of LCSs that also includes an alternate monohull ship design. In addition…