Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) leadership, Sailors, and regional supporting personnel gathered July 18 to formally recognize the establishment of Commander, Surface Division 21.

The new division is vital to ensuring the readiness and operational capability of four LCS ships in Mayport: USS Milwaukee (LCS 5); USS Detroit (LCS 7); USS Little Rock (LCS 9); and the future USS Sioux City (LCS 11).

Rear Adm. Jesse A. Wilson Jr., commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, provided remarks highlighting this significant day for the surface force with an emphasis on leadership, warfighting and ownership.

Surface Division 21 is the second division in the LCS fleet focused on surface warfare. The first, Surface Division 11, was established earlier this year in San Diego. Other divisions will eventually be established to focus on mine warfare and antisubmarine warfare.

The division provides direct support, immediate supervisory oversight and class advocacy for the hulls, crews and mission modules. This allows the squadron to focus more on program and policy requirements.

"Today is a great day in the continuing evolution of the LCS program as we stand up the first Division under LCS Squadron Two," said Capt. Cory R. Applebee, commanding officer, Surface Division 21. "I look forward to leading this division and its outstanding Sailors."

LCS is a mission-focused surface combatant designed for maritime operations. Surface Division 21 will have the responsibility of manning, training and equipping LCS crews, mission modules and ships.


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