Navy Accepts Fourth Ship-to-Shore Connector This Year

The Navy took delivery of Ship-to-Shore Connector LCAC 118 from Textron Systems after it completed Acceptance Trials.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Military

The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of Ship-to-Shore Connector LCAC 118 from Textron Systems on Oct. 28, its fourth such craft this year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of Ship-to-Shore Connector LCAC 118 from Textron Systems on Oct. 28, 2026. It is the fourth Ship-to-Shore Connector delivered this calendar year and replaces the Navy's legacy LCAC fleet.

Why it matters

The Ship-to-Shore Connector program is restoring and expanding the Navy's over-the-beach maneuver capability as older craft are retired. The new craft is designed to give amphibious commanders greater flexibility to move and sustain combat power ashore.

LCAC 118 is the fourth Ship-to-Shore Connector delivered in 2026 and carries a 60- to 75-ton payload. The craft retains the dimensions and well deck compatibility of the legacy LCAC.

The players

U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy is the naval warfare branch of the United States armed forces, responsible for maritime operations and amphibious power projection.

Textron Systems

Textron Systems is the defense subsidiary of Textron Inc. that builds the Ship-to-Shore Connector craft for the Navy.

Board of Inspection and Survey

The Board of Inspection and Survey is the Navy body that conducts acceptance trials and certifies new vessels and craft before delivery.

The details

LCAC 118 completed Acceptance Trials conducted by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey during the week of Sept. 21, 2026. The trials validated its material readiness and operational performance against Navy design and program requirements before delivery.

Week of Sept. 21, 2026: Acceptance Trials for LCAC 118 conducted.
Oct. 28, 2026: Navy accepted delivery of LCAC 118 from Textron Systems.

Roadmap

The Ship-to-Shore Connector is replacing the Navy's legacy LCAC fleet, carrying forward the same over-the-beach mission. The Navy frames the program as part of a 250-year tradition of American naval power projection.

The delivery brings the Navy closer to completing its replacement of the legacy LCAC fleet with the Ship-to-Shore Connector. LCACs 119 through 131 remain in various stages of construction, and the Navy has not stated their delivery schedule.

The takeaway

The arrival of the fourth Ship-to-Shore Connector this year signals steady progress in replacing the Navy's aging landing craft fleet. Readers tracking amphibious readiness can watch the remaining LCAC builds for the next delivery milestones.