USS Manchester (LCS 14) Triumphantly Returns to San Diego Base

SAN DIEGO – The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14) returned to its San Diego homeport on September 11, following an intensive 18-month deployment.

“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments made by the USS Manchester crews throughout their 18 months of deployed operations,” declared Capt. Douglas Meagher, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. “Littoral combat ships like Manchester have consistently demonstrated strategic value, offering unmatched presence and unique access in the Indo-Pacific, which in turn strengthens relationships with our maritime allies and partners.”

During its deployment, the Manchester took part in a variety of multinational exercises, including Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2023, Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) 2023, Pacific Griffin 2023, and Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malaysia.

Cmdr. Matthew Farrell, commanding officer of the Manchester Gold crew, expressed his enthusiasm: “I am excited to see the Littoral Combat Ship community actively engaged in multinational training and exercises. Ships like Manchester showcase their value to Fleet Commanders, thanks to the dedication of the men and women onboard. I am honored to have navigated the Indo-Pacific with this crew, and we eagerly anticipate returning home to reconnect with our loved ones.”

In June 2023, Manchester participated in MNEK off Indonesia’s coast, focusing primarily on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

By July 2023, Manchester had incorporated Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 and a U.S. Coast Guard tactical law enforcement team for OMSI 2023. This initiative, spearheaded by the Secretary of Defense, leverages Department of Defense assets to enhance maritime security and domain awareness in Oceania.

June 2023 also saw Manchester navigate the Philippine Sea during Exercise Pacific Griffin 2023, in unison with the USS Shiloh (CG 67), USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14), and Republic of Singapore Navy ships RSS Tenacious (FFC 71) and RSS Dauntless (LMV 21). This exercise, held near Guam, aims to bolster combined maritime proficiency and fortify U.S.-Singapore ties through dynamic training.

Cmdr. Farrell highlighted the collaboration with regional navies: “One of the most rewarding aspects of deploying to the Indo-Pacific is working alongside our allies and partners. Collaborating with the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Philippine Navy, and the Republic of Singapore Navy was an honor.”

In August 2023, Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians from EOD Mobile Unit 5 conducted an anti-terrorism force protection inspection beneath the Manchester.

Manchester’s participation in MTA Malaysia 2023 included complex training exercises such as surface warfare, live-fire gunnery, and advanced ship-handling tactics with the Royal Malaysian Navy, reinforcing bilateral ties and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

While in port, Manchester’s sailors built strong bonds with host nations. In Subic Bay, Philippines, they offered ship tours and a damage control demonstration. In Sriracha, Thailand, sailors volunteered at the Child Protection and Development Center.

Throughout its deployment, Manchester visited six partner nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The ship consistently demonstrated resilience and sustainability with extended operations at sea, logging 32 continuous days underway in support of theater priorities.

Manchester is a nimble, mission-tailored surface combatant designed for both near-shore and open-ocean environments, adept at countering 21st-century coastal threats. LCSs like Manchester integrate seamlessly with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions worldwide.