I knew some type of bullshit was coming.
I just didn't expect it to be from the pages of Proceedings. What's worse is that CDR Salamander appears to endorse the idea.
A quick synopsis.
*Carriers are understrength. They deploy with approx 60 aircraft when they have historically had upwards of 100 airplanes on deck.
*This situation is going to get worse with the new Ford class carriers coming up.
*The MV-22 is faster than the AH-1Z.
Therefore the author believes that to make up for shortfalls on the carriers and to make the carriers relevant, we should embark a Rifle Company or two of Marines along with MV-22's aboard a big deck carrier and conduct raids from those ships using the carrier fighters as escorts.
Bullshit.
What's left unsaid is that the F-35B is slated to be the escort for the MV-22. The AH-1Z has already be recognized as being unable to fulfill that role, so the numbers have been reduced in favor of the multi-role UH-1Y.
Additionally the problem will only cascade to the Marine Corps MEU's. MV-22's and Rifle Companies are finite items. To add them to the deployment roster of big deck carriers will lead to losses in manpower elsewhere.
This is an idea whose time has not come. But if you want to know why I consider this a power grab by the author for the carrier navy, then read the following. Its a list of Marine Corps MEU missions (via Wikipedia)...
Deployment: Following the work-up, the MEU deploys for six months in support of geographic combatant commanders. During this time, the MEU is a forward-deployed, self-sustaining force that combatant commanders can direct to accomplish a variety of special operations and conventional missions.Looks like the resource and viability war has started. I hope HQMC is paying attention.
The missions may include:
- Conventional operations (Amphibious assaults and raids)
- Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP)
- Humanitarian assistance operations (HAO)
- Noncombatant evacuation operations (NEO)
- Security operations.
