MOBILE, Ala. (May 28, 2008) The littoral combat ship pre-commissioning unit Independence (LCS 2) is the second ship in a new design of next-generation combat vessel for close-to-shore operations. The ship will have a crew of less than 40 Sailors and will be able to reach a sustained speed of more than 50 knots. The larger flight deck will accommodate two SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters or one CH-53-class helicopter. (U.S. Navy Photo/Released)