US showcases Independence class USS Mobile LCS at IMDEX 2023.

On the occasion of IMDEX 2023, which takes place in Singapore from 3 to 5 May, the US Navy has sent the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Mobile.
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Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Mobile. (Picture source: US Navy)

US-Singapore relations

Under the U.S.-Singapore Strategic Framework Agreement, some U.S. Navy littoral combat ships are rotationally deployed to Singapore's Changi Naval Base. Additionally, Singapore's Paya Lebar Air Base is used as a landing site for Air Force One during presidential visits to the country.

In September 2019, the defense pact between Singapore and the U.S. was renewed, allowing American forces to continue using Singapore's air and naval bases until 2035.

About the USS Mobile

The USS Mobile has a displacement of 2,307 metric tons light and 3,104 metric tons full, with a deadweight of 797 metric tons. It measures 127.4 meters in length, 31.6 meters in beam, and has a draft of 14 feet.

The ship's propulsion system includes 2 gas turbines, 2 diesel engines, 4 waterjets, a retractable azimuth thruster, and 4 diesel generators, allowing it to achieve speeds of 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph)+, with a sprint speed of 47 knots (54 mph; 87 km/h). She has a range of 4,300 nautical miles (8,000 km; 4,900 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)+ and has a capacity of 210 tonnes.

The USS Mobile has a core crew of 40 members, including 8 officers and 32 enlisted personnel, with an additional 35 mission crew members. It is equipped with various sensors and processing systems, including a Sea Giraffe 3D Surface/Air RADAR, Bridgemaster-E Navigational RADAR, and an AN/KAX-2 EO/IR sensor for GFC. It also has an EDO ES-3601 ESM and 4 SRBOC rapid bloom chaff launchers for electronic warfare and decoys.

In terms of armament, the USS Mobile is armed with a BAE Systems Mk 110 57 mm gun, four .50 cal (12.7 mm) guns (2 aft, 2 forward), and an Evolved SeaRAM 11 cell missile launcher. She also has mission modules and can carry two MH-60R/S Seahawks and an MQ-8 Fire Scout.