USN 100216-N-1522S-009: USS FREEDOM with added buoyancy stern tanks ("water or swim wings") to correct the new ship's handling problems at high speeds. Other problems seem to be the exhaust locations that make coming along side or opening the side door a real challenge for personnel.
USN photo 100216-N-1522S-009 MAYPORT, Fla. (Feb. 16, 2010) The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) departs Naval Station Mayport for its first operational deployment. Freedom will conduct counter-illicit trafficking operations and theater security cooperation in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles/Released) Showing additional flotation butt-lift surgery
USN photo 100216-N-1522S-009: details of the added buoyancy tanks (butt lifts)........note that paint does not exactly match
US Navy photo: USS FREEDOM before butt-lift surgery.
