General Dynamics has confirmed that delivery of Littoral Combat Ship 2 (LCS 2) to the US Navy (USN) has been delayed until 2009. The 3,000-ton aluminium-hulled trimaran, Independence, had been scheduled for handover towards the end of 2008. However, company spokesman Rob Doolittle told Jane's on 26 September: "We have informed the navy that we will deliver the LCS 2 in calendar year 2009." A day earlier, the USN said in a statement: "General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has advised the navy that they are behind schedule. The navy is undergoing a review of schedule and performance with the contractor team to determine when the ship will be ready to go to sea."
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