But with the new Marine Corps Operating Concept, its starting to make sense. With the numbers of LPD-17 class ships...its starting to make sense. With the move toward LPD-17's and next gen LSD-X becoming the centerpieces of the amphibious fleet its making even more sense (especially if the LSD is built on the LPD hull form).
The F-35 will require a practically new operating standard when it comes online. Its size has required revamped aviation spaces and the need for an aviation centric amphib is clear. We will gain a warplane of tremendous flexibility. The USS America class will be a platform that will enable it to demonstrate its abilities in full and it still has room for a battalion of Marines in either small boats or helos.
But my real excitement lies in the small picture to the right. We're gaining a fast (able to keep up with a carrier strike group), flexible (able to land Marines by AAVs, LCVPs, LCACs or helos--many helos at that...) and dedicated amphib.
The SecDef and Admiral Mullen might be stuck on stupid with these partnership missions but its still sea time and its still getting Marines back aboard ship.
One last thing and the LPD-17 class will be perfect (sorry for all the critics but the engine problems and engineer snafus are really in the past...they've been ironed out)...either a 5 inch gun or provisions for NLOS missiles will take it to the next level.
Lastly for the small amphib crowd I kindly remind you that we've been down that road before and the results (from talking to Marines that rode on them) is that the LPH-2 class of ships were good for the times but woefully inadequate for today's equipment load outs.
I agree that all of those amphibs should at least have one 5in gun. A lot of the older generation amphibs from the 60s and 70s had 3in or 5in guns but they were removed or had their fire control systems removed in the 90s.
ReplyDeleteyeah, i never understood that. the old Tarawa had 2 5inchers off its bow and one on the stern...thats in addition to its anti-air missiles and its CIWS.
ReplyDeletewith the advancement in 5 inch gun ammo i would think that they'd be in high demand for everything from small boats to air threats...big time mystery as to why they haven't been included in the San Antonio class.
Guns on amphibs are nice, but not really necessary and can even be a burden; they require fire control and extra crew and valuable ship spaces. Better to assign a dedicated escort.
ReplyDeleteThe LPD-17 is networked via NTDS/JTDS/Link16 and is fully CEC capable, so the room reserved for Mk.41 VLS means the LPD-17 can act as a distributed 'shooter' under guidance from, say, an AEGIS escort. It was a design criterium IIRC, so it could provide additional SM-2 or TLAM missiles (eventually).
On LHA-6, you hit it right on the head regarding the specialized role/support the F-35B needs and provides. Only caveat I have is lack of organic ship-board ISR/AWACs. Theoretically the JSF could fill (part of) that role, but the Brits learned the hard way that OTH air/sea surveillance as provided by AWACS is a must.