USS Independence (LCS-2)

The Independence, as seen in-game

* Base
* Top

"Libertas Per Laborum Audentium"

- Motto of the USS *Independence*, meaning "Independence Through Bold Action"

## Overview

"American littoral combat ship. The ship's hull is built according to the trimaran type. The ships' designs to reach high speed." - in-game description

USS *Independence* (LCS-2) is a US tier 2 frigate. The ship is characterized by its agility and speed which it trades for durability and weapons. Due to it's light armament and thin armor the ship is a support vessel acting as a fire support platform and scout.

## Tactics

### Playing as Independence

We will be talking about the general purpose and role of the *Independence*. As stated before, she is a support vessel. Her low durability excludes her from frontline engagements and throws into the rear or flanking positions. She is the fleet's fast responder and flanker, responding quickly to allies in distress and ambushing unsuspecting enemies. In most matches it is better to hide behind islands and next to larger teammates to avoid as much damage as possible but also delivering decent damage at range. Late matches you will be vital in providing some "encouragement" to enemy vessels in hiding and pushing them into open waters. In the absence of aerial scout units, your ship will do more than suffice, as her high speed and agility make her able to quickly spot enemies and rush back into cover just as quickly if needed.

When skirmishing alone behind the islands, prioritize enemy warships that are currently fighting your team. Otherwise the enemy will have time to patch the damage after you "hit and run" with little impact to overall success of the team.

Due to her lackluster AA, she has almost no chance against focused aerial units unless equipped with either Melara Rapids or Korkut-Ds. And although you lose some cannon damage, you at least gain auto tracking. Do be warned that even though with an additional powerful main AA cannon it may not be enough to take on a swarm of aircraft.

### Playing alongside Independence

Supporting a support vessel is a strange case. In most cases, "supporting" an *Independence* is simply following along with pinching enemies or distracting enemies so that your fast scout can flank. Another reasonable choice is to provide AA support for your allied ship as hers is not-existent.

### Playing against Independence

To counter an *Independence* is simple - deny their speed and sneak spots. She is a very light ship so most will go down relatively quick unless it's an experienced player. And although she can outsmart most guided equipment, she cannot outsmart shells. So, keep an eye out on the map for small red dots on the edges, push out a hiding *Independence*, and absolutely bombard that thing with aerial units if given the chance.

## Advantages and Disadvantages

### Advantages

* Cheap and simple to use.
* Good agility and speed. Amazing when fully upgraded.
* Exceeds in hit-and-run and flanking.

### Disadvantages

* 2nd weakest frigate in terms of durability.
* Poor AA defense.
* Low weapon count.

## Suggested Armament Setup

**Tackle Frigate** - A quick frigate designed to catch enemy ships off guard or keep them under fire either through constant bombardments or pinging on radar, therefore hindering movements and repairs of enemy vessels.

* **Cannon**: Bofors NAG Stealth (57 mm) --> (High accuracy during and after firing at all ranges, quick reload)
* **Missile**: PJ-10 BrahMos --> (Decent durability and greater speeds pierce weak air defenses and hit the hardest once through)
* **Torpedo**: Mark-50 (324 mm) --> (Decent speed and damage against both surface and submerged targets, long range)
* **Air Defense:** OSA-M --> (Terrible against aircraft, superb against missiles with higher hit probabilities)
* **Helicopter**: SV-22 Osprey ---> (Highly durable scout helicopter, alternative to scouting with ship, also provides additional anti aircraft and anti missile defence)

## Trivia

* Although the ship in-game can reach a maximum speed of 38 knots, its real life counterpart could reach a stable 44 knots and could reach even higher speeds at short durations.
* Interestingly enough, people have used this ship in tier 3 as support snipers. Most times when nearly dead or under dire circumstances, they will instead use their speed and maneuvering to dodge most shells and ram into enemy ships as a last ditch effort.
* The ship used to cost 700,000 dollars; but was increased to 1,350,000 on January 17, 2022.
* Currently the fastest "ship", as the RF Loon holds the highest speeds but is not a ship itself.
* The game classifies this ship as a frigate when in actuality she is a corvette or littoral combat ship.
	+ The game also shows the ship wielding a mark-45 cannon but is actually equipped with a bofors SAK 57.
	+ It must be noted however the firepower of the littoral combat ships are on par with what would be considered frigates during their commissioning. Modern frigates built beyond the mid 2010's are approaching and even matching full blown destroyer capabilities in terms of their firepower and loadout options if not in sensors.
* The development and construction of *Independence* was 220% over-budget and suffered from galvanic corrosion.

## Gallery

A heavily damaged Independence.Independence exploding before rapidly sinking.