Naval Sea Systems Command ( NAVSEA ) has been working with Textron Marine and Land Systems since April 1996 on LCAC SLEP research and development .
Without a SLEP the first LCAC would face retirement in 2004 , based on a 20 - year lifespan .
Naval Sea Systems Command ( NAVSEA ) has been working with Textron Marine and Land Systems since April 1996 on SLEP   research and development .
Without a SLEP the first LCAC would face retirement in 2004 , based on a 20 - year lifespan .