PEARL HARBOR - The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) experienced a casualty to the ship’s combining gears during an in-port period in Singapore, Jan. 12.

Based on initial indications, the casualty occurred due to an apparent failure to follow procedures during an operational test of the port and starboard main propulsion diesel engines (MPDEs). An investigation is underway to examine the incident in depth and determine any necessary corrective action.

A team of technical specialists is currently on board Fort Worth to evaluate the gears and required repairs. There is no estimated date of completion at this time.

Combining gears allow Fort Worth to configure different types and combinations of engines for propulsion at sea.

Fort Worth left her homeport of San Diego in Nov. 2014 and is currently on a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet.