Spruance-class Destroyers

C

Clouded Leopard

Junior Member
bigstick61 said:
At least two are being sold, with the most likely customer being the ROC.
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Um, Taiwan is currently not seeking any Spruances from America (although they did buy 4 Kidds, which are based off of the Spruance design.)

I wouldn't be surprised if Taiwan did, though, especially in light of the fact that the island's aging Knox-class ASW frigates are retiring. Only issue that comes to mind is manpower and operating problems.
 
C

Clouded Leopard

Junior Member
I think the Spruances were known as "Greyhounds" due to their hard work and frame wear and tear. I don't know how long they can last.



In the future, Taiwan may seek to get the ASW module of Littoral Combat Ship; LCS sounds very suitable for Taiwan's needs.
 
Tasman

Tasman

Junior Member
Clouded Leopard said:
Um, Taiwan is currently not seeking any Spruances from America (although they did buy 4 Kidds, which are based off of the Spruance design.)

I wouldn't be surprised if Taiwan did, though, especially in light of the fact that the island's aging Knox-class ASW frigates are retiring. Only issue that comes to mind is manpower and operating problems.
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The commonality with the Kidds would, IMO, make the Spruances an excellent complement to them. I think it would greatly simplify operational, training and maintenance issues for the ROCN. I acknowledge, however, that the age of the vessels may be a concern for Taiwan.

Like Jeff and bigstick61, however, I think it is a real pity that these vessels are not kept by the USN. I believe they should be maintained in at least Category B reserve.

Cheers
 
J

joshuatree

Captain
They should have handed them over to the USCG instead of the USCG wasting all that money on some new boats with major issues. The money wasted could have been used to convert these destroyers for coast guard duties.
 
Jeff Head

Jeff Head

General
Registered Member
Clouded Leopard said:
Can the Coast Guard operate such giant ships?
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Well, the High Endurance Cutters the USCG has now are not really small ships. 3,500+ tons. Twelve were built and then went through an upgrade and FRAM in the late 80s and early 90s.

Cutter_5HECs_Color.jpg


The new National Security Cutters are even bigger at about 4,500 tons...but still much smaller than the Spruances The first NSC has been launched and the second is well under construction.

NSC021207.jpg
 
J

joshuatree

Captain
Yep but the program is in a quagmire with govt investigation now. With all that money wasted, wondered what wonders the money would have done for some Spruances to live a second lift as a cutter.
 
Jeff Head

Jeff Head

General
Registered Member
joshuatree said:
Yep but the program is in a quagmire with govt investigation now. With all that money wasted, wondered what wonders the money would have done for some Spruances to live a second lift as a cutter.
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DDX, LCS, now the NSC...all languishing because of overspending, waste, mismanagement, etc.

Sounds like they have some MAJOR program management difficulties going on in the naval services to me. Problems like these just do not "creep" up on a good program manamgement team. They will identify and address such issues well in advance of the major fohpahs going on with these programs...not to mention the major waste.
 
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