Episode
The Navy’s Very Expensive Mistake
23:17
Published: Mon Feb 13 2023
Description
Amid growing threats from rivals like China, the United States military is determined to invest in new forms of defense and abandon those that no longer meet its needs.On that list: a combat ship rife with flaws. But getting rid of the ship has proved unexpectedly difficult.Guest: Eric Lipton, an investigative reporter for The New York Times.Background reading: After years of crippling problems and a changing mission, the Navy pushed to retire nine of its newest ships. Then the lobbying started.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Chapters
The US Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) was meant to be a versatile vessel that could do all sorts of things, from combating terrorism to taking on emerging navies.
00:01 - 06:54 (06:53)
Summary
The US Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) was meant to be a versatile vessel that could do all sorts of things, from combating terrorism to taking on emerging navies. However, the LCS was plagued with technical problems, cost overruns, and questions about its effectiveness.
EpisodeThe Navy’s Very Expensive Mistake
PodcastThe Daily
When the Defense Department decides to retire the Littoral Combat Ships from the fleet, the Navy tries to save them.
06:54 - 20:35 (13:40)
Summary
When the Defense Department decides to retire the Littoral Combat Ships from the fleet, the Navy tries to save them. Despite a massive effort, the Navy ultimately decides to retire nine out of the 11 Freedom Class Littoral Combat ships already in service.
EpisodeThe Navy’s Very Expensive Mistake
PodcastThe Daily
American fighter jets have taken down mysterious objects for the fourth time in a week, and Turkey has detained dozens of contractors following last week's earthquake.
20:35 - 23:03 (02:28)
Summary
American fighter jets have taken down mysterious objects for the fourth time in a week, and Turkey has detained dozens of contractors following last week's earthquake. The death toll in Turkey has exceeded 29,000 people.