Could competition resurface between two shipbuilders of the littoral combat ship?

The two ships were built to do the same things, hunting mines and tracking submarines. They are rivals by design -- the Independence- and Freedom-class vessels. Something the Navy thought would help control costs.

Both require billions to build. The two shipbuilding programs have moved in locked step until now. Finally, there may be a little competition.

The Navy plans to bankroll three ships, according to their 2015 budget. Every year, they use to pay for four. Officials have said the odd number means a builder will be shorted a ship -- at least in the interim. Tighter finances will force them to choose.

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