The US Navy MUST recognize this and itself continue to build, and in fact increase its build rate. Particularly in terms of capable frigates and LCS vessels. The PLAN enjoys a significant lead in this area now. The US can address this with the LCS class and the follow on class of 24 or more Fast Frigates it intends to build if it will act.
In addition, the PLAN is building up new, very capable cruiser sized vessels and will be building them rapidly. The US Navy simply must find and settle on a replacement for the Ticodneroga class cruisers and begin replacing them as soon as possible. This is the Zumwalt class where the second of three has just been launched. A Cruiser, anti-air centric version could and should be developed to build 20 to replace the Ticonderoga class. No need to spend many years developing something all new. That vessel is already largely developed and revamping it to have more PVLS with one main gun and appropriate laser or rail gun CIWS along with at least one Sea-RAM launcher, could relative quickly be made and then continue building them.
Finally, the US Navy should continue to rapidly build up its new generation of Virginia class vessels as they are now doing. This is a very signifiant area for the US in terms of having a significant lead over the PLAN which will allow the US Navy to operate with near impunity in the deep waters...but must develop its litoral capability with these submarines, with surface vessels built to find and address the many conventional, quiet AIP submarines the PLAN has developed and built.
US designers and Naval personnel indicate that the Virginia class has a very strong litoral capability and can already take on the best conventional subs. The US Navy has leased/had a temporary loan (for over two years) one of the better conventional designs from its allies and developed this capability precisely to counter this issue.
Also, the US Navy must continue developing and build the Flight III Burkes and use them as the replacement for the older Flight I Burkes as they reach the end of their service life. The Flight III Bukre could also be upgraded. This author would recommend a US version of the KDX III Korean version of the Burke with 128 VLS, 16 anti-surface missiles, one Sea- Ram and one Phalanx. Ultimately a 127mm rail gun, which General Atomic has already developed could be used to replace the 127mm gun forward.
A V-22 AEW aircraft and a V-22 ASW aircraft would be a significant and needed development for the US Navy (and US Allies). A small squadron of the AEW version for each Wasp and America class, and a small squardon of the ASW version for all of the carriers, LHDs, and LHAs.
In addition, put the active version of the ASW weapon now being fitted to the Nimitz and Ford carriers on all of the LHDs, LHAs, LPDs, LSDs and the cruisers and destroyers.
As a arting note, with my terminal cancer, this will most likely be my last release of this annual report.
It has been my privilege to produce it and hope it has been beneficial to those who have read it.
Jeff Head
Idaho, USA
In addition, the PLAN is building up new, very capable cruiser sized vessels and will be building them rapidly. The US Navy simply must find and settle on a replacement for the Ticodneroga class cruisers and begin replacing them as soon as possible. This is the Zumwalt class where the second of three has just been launched. A Cruiser, anti-air centric version could and should be developed to build 20 to replace the Ticonderoga class. No need to spend many years developing something all new. That vessel is already largely developed and revamping it to have more PVLS with one main gun and appropriate laser or rail gun CIWS along with at least one Sea-RAM launcher, could relative quickly be made and then continue building them.
Finally, the US Navy should continue to rapidly build up its new generation of Virginia class vessels as they are now doing. This is a very signifiant area for the US in terms of having a significant lead over the PLAN which will allow the US Navy to operate with near impunity in the deep waters...but must develop its litoral capability with these submarines, with surface vessels built to find and address the many conventional, quiet AIP submarines the PLAN has developed and built.
US designers and Naval personnel indicate that the Virginia class has a very strong litoral capability and can already take on the best conventional subs. The US Navy has leased/had a temporary loan (for over two years) one of the better conventional designs from its allies and developed this capability precisely to counter this issue.
Also, the US Navy must continue developing and build the Flight III Burkes and use them as the replacement for the older Flight I Burkes as they reach the end of their service life. The Flight III Bukre could also be upgraded. This author would recommend a US version of the KDX III Korean version of the Burke with 128 VLS, 16 anti-surface missiles, one Sea- Ram and one Phalanx. Ultimately a 127mm rail gun, which General Atomic has already developed could be used to replace the 127mm gun forward.
A V-22 AEW aircraft and a V-22 ASW aircraft would be a significant and needed development for the US Navy (and US Allies). A small squadron of the AEW version for each Wasp and America class, and a small squardon of the ASW version for all of the carriers, LHDs, and LHAs.
In addition, put the active version of the ASW weapon now being fitted to the Nimitz and Ford carriers on all of the LHDs, LHAs, LPDs, LSDs and the cruisers and destroyers.
As a arting note, with my terminal cancer, this will most likely be my last release of this annual report.
It has been my privilege to produce it and hope it has been beneficial to those who have read it.
Jeff Head
Idaho, USA
