As an operational unit and test platform, Fort Worth and its crew played an important role in the defense of US maritime freedom. Fort Worth and its Sailors were key to determining the operational configuration and deployment capabilities of today’s LCS platform.
The Honorable Gordon England, former Secretary of the Navy, delivered the decommissioning ceremony’s principal address. Remarks were also provided by US Navy Rear Adm. Matthew Kawas, the ship’s sponsor’s proxy, Ms. Jill J.R. Labbe, and US Navy Capt. (ret.) Warren Cupps.
LCSs are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS integrates with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
The LCS class consists of two variants, Freedom and Independence, designed and built by two industry teams. USS Fort Worth is a Freedom-class LCS, built in Marinette, Wisconsin. Austal USA leads the Independence-variant team in Mobile, Alabama, for LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls.
By retiring early-hull test platforms like Fort Worth, the Navy redirects investments toward upgrading the remaining LCS inventory with enhanced capabilities. This strategy sustains the LCS program and underscores the Navy’s commitment to building America’s Fleet of the Future, ensuring the active ships remain relevant, combat-credible, and reliable throughout their service lives.
