USS Freedom to deploy ahead of schedule

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy announced plans to deploy littoral combat ship USS Freedom to the Southern and Pacific Command areas two years ahead of schedule.

Naval officials say they need littoral combat ships deployed as quickly as possible to close gaps in the current defense structure.

"We must deliver this critical capability to the war fighter now," said Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations.

The USS Freedom is designed for quick response to defeat growing littoral threats and to establish dominance in coastal water battle space.

She measures 377 feet long and has a top speed of more than 40 knots. She boasts a 3-D air search radar with airframe missiles and medium caliber guns.

The U.S. Navy says the sooner the USS Freedom is integrated into its fleet, the sooner is can incorporate into the order of battle. She is planned for an early 2010 deployment.

The Southern Pacific Command includes areas in South America. Pacific Command encompasses more than 50 percent of the world's surface area, including defense support for Japan and South Korea.