The U.S. Navy has decommissioned the troubled Freedom-class USS Sioux City less than five years after it entered service

The US Navy has gotten rid of another littoral combat ship. The service has decided to decommission the Freedom-class USS Sioux City (LCS 11).

Here's What We Know

USS Sioux City (LCS 11) is the first U.S. Navy ship named after the fourth largest city in the state of Iowa. It was commissioned in autumn 2018 and now boasts one of the shortest service lives of any ship since World War II.

Freedom-class ships faced operational challenges immediately after entering service. Specifically, with difficulties in developing a mission package for mine countermeasures.

Despite the problems, USS Sioux City (LCS 11) made four successful deployments to the U.S. 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleets from 2020 to 2022. The ship has been inducted into an aircraft carrier strike group and has participated in military exercises with partners.

The US Navy also intends to sell several Freedom-class littoral combat ships. In particular, USS Wichita (LCS 13), USS Billings (LCS 15), USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) and USS St Louis (LCS 19). They will be offered for sale in fiscal year 2025.

Source: US Navy