230118-N-ZS023-1067

230118-N-ZS023-1067 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 18, 2023) Independence-variant littoral combat ship Pre-Commissioning Unit Santa Barbara (LCS 32) Sailors stand on the ship's flight deck as Santa Barbara arrives at its homeport of San Diego for the first time, Jan. 18. The newest LCS in the Navy’s inventory, Santa Barbara is scheduled to be commissioned later this year. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence missions around the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vance Hand)