USS Independence (LCS‑2) is the prototype of the Independence‑class littoral combat ship and will be the sixth ship in the U.S. Navy to bear the name Independence. Designed and built by General Dynamics for the U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ship program, she competes directly with the Freedom‑class ships designed by Lockheed Martin.
The vessel is designed as a fast assault transport capable of carrying different mission modules depending on operational needs. Featuring a trimaran hull design, she can achieve speeds in excess of 40 knots (74 km/h, 46 mph). The ship was delivered to the U.S. Navy on January 13, 2010.
