USS Savannah (LCS 28) arrives in Portland

by Lt. Brinn Hefron

15 April 2026
PORTLAND, OREGON, UNITED STATES

The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Savannah (LCS 28) departed Naval Base San Diego April 8 and arrived at its new homeport of Portland, Ore. April 12.

While Savannah is in Portland, the ship will be entering into a Docking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) to receive lethality and survivability upgrades.

“Maintaining combat readiness begins with ready platforms and we are excited for the warfighting upgrades that Savannah will receive.” said Capt. James Hoey, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One. “This modernization will improve Savannah’s lethality to better support Fleet Commanders’ missions.”

During the upgrade, Savannah will receive a comprehensive overhaul of its combat systems suite. This includes the integration of the Naval Strike Missile, installation of the Navy’s electronic warfare system Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Lite, and the addition of the Nulka decoy-launching system. The ship will also receive the Autonomous Weapon System, a new common combat management system. Upon completion of the lethality and survivability upgrade and return to San Diego, Savannah will receive the Mine Countermeasures Mission Package.

Savannah completed a 12-month rotational deployment throughout the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operation in August 2025. While on deployment, the Savannah conducted presence operations and engagements with allies and partners throughout the region to maintain a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, deterring 21st-century threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.