Just a couple of comments:)
1. That we are down to less than 300 ships is a SERIOUS National Security Issue. Nothing projects graduated power like an effective Navy...and it's the US Navy that has been the bulwerk of our national security for over 200 years.
2. These are not "Littoral Combat Ships". A littoral combat ship is a BB. This idea that small, pinpoint explosives (at ENORMOUS COST) is a substitute for tonnage (and I'm talking about ordinance here, not displacement) is one of the biggest blunders in modern naval thinking. When it comes to hitting a beach, you need guns. Big ones. Lots of them. Yeah, a modern vessel needs Aegis, Phalanx, VLS for cruise missles etc, but there is not now and probably never will be a substitute for big GUNS when it comes to putting men on a beach.
3. "Sweeping mines" and "Chasing Pirates" used to be handled by Mine Sweepers, Patrol Boats and Frigates...at FAR FAR less cost than $500mil a copy...and you could put a Frigate, 5 mine sweepers and 10 Patrol Boats at sea with that much money...with modern weapons.
I don't know what these guys are thinking in the Chrystal Palace, but numbers, speciality and proven models matter. I hope this isn't a few Congressmen pushing a White Elephant.