US Navy takes delivery of new LCAC 116

June 17, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Navy has taken delivery of a new ship-to-shore connector (SSC), landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) 116, from defense manufacturer Textron Systems.

The SSC programme is intended to replace the Navy’s legacy fleet of LCAC vehicles, introducing updated craft designed to move personnel, vehicles, equipment and cargo from ship to shore at high speed.

The service said the new platforms are intended to support expeditionary operations in contested and rapidly changing maritime environments.

With LCAC 116 now formally delivered, the US Navy stated the expanding fleet will enhance its ability to support distributed maritime operations and respond to global crises. The craft forms part of a broader effort to sustain amphibious readiness and maintain rapid deployment options for the US Marine Corps and naval forces.

“The SSC program delivers the speed, flexibility and mobility our Sailors and Marines require to execute expeditionary operations around the globe,” said Melissa Kirkendall, Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Expeditionary & Mine Warfare.

“Each craft delivered strengthens maritime readiness and reflects our commitment to delivering critical capability to the warfighter.”

The latest delivery adds to a growing inventory of next-generation ship-to-shore connectors, which are gradually replacing older LCAC platforms as part of the navy’s long-term modernization strategy for amphibious operations.

To remind, Textron delivered the LCAC 115 back in March 2026.