From StrategyPage; the Navy is trying to get LCS' out to do piracy patrol, as an 'intro' to combat ops. Of course, this is what the gold-plated cutter is best suited for. http://www.strategyp...startofcomments LCS Goes Into The Danger Zone "January 23, 2013: Last year the U.S. Navy has decided to put its new "Littoral Combat Ship" (LCS) into mass production. This year one of the three LCSs in service will get its first tour in a combat zone (counter-piracy duty around the Straits of Malacca). This ship, and others currently in service, will take turns serving six month tours, and will be based in Singapore."