The Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS St. Louis (LCS 19) has achieved a milestone by completing its first-ever self-sufficient engine repair at sea. On August 21, while deployed, the crew diagnosed the failure, procured spare parts, and restored propulsion without returning to port.
Navy officials highlighted that the achievement reflects a shift toward greater shipboard maintenance capacity, reducing reliance on shore-based contractors and enhancing operational readiness. The supply team ensured rapid delivery of required parts, enabling the ship to remain on mission for counter-drug operations and partner exercises.
This success is part of a two-year initiative to pre-position high-demand spares aboard Freedom-class ships and improve crew training. As a result, deployed units can resolve propulsion casualties at sea, minimize schedule disruption, and support distributed maritime operations more effectively.
Freedom-class ships feature modular mission bays, a 57 mm Mk 110 gun, Rolling Airframe Missiles, and facilities for MH-60R helicopters and MQ-8 drones, making them key assets for coastal security and interdiction missions.
