Cmdr. Kevin Smith, center, the oncoming commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Omaha (LCS 12) Gold crew, is piped ashore during a change of command ceremony held on the ship’s flight deck, April 2. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vance Hand)