Cmdr. William Carroll, commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Oakland (LCS 24) Gold Crew delivers remarks during a pier-side assumption of command ceremony onboard Naval Base San Diego. The Littoral Combat Ship is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS are capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vance Hand/Released)