via Defense News
Unlike the original navigation plan, the updated document includes a Force Design 2045 plan, a vision of the future fleet that mirrors what Gilday has called for in other recent documents.
It calls for 12 Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines as the undersea nuclear deterrent, 12 aircraft carriers, 66 attack submarines and large payload submarines, 96 large combatants such as destroyers, 56 small combatants such as littoral combat ships and frigates, 31 traditional amphibious ships, 18 light amphibious warships, about 150 unmanned surface and undersea vessels, 82 logistics and auxiliary ships, and a sophisticated blend of manned and unmanned aircraft to complement the fleet.
If the force was totally dedicated to the Atlantic and Middle East I'd say ok, that works.
If the force was totally dedicated to the Pacific I'd say ok, kinda on the meager side of things (considering the Chinese buildup) but ok, we can work with that.
Considering that we have a Navy with worldwide obligations then it looks kinda wimpy.
Another thing.
Looks like the Navy has started to tell the Marine Corps NO!
The current Commandant seemed to want it all. 31 big amphibs along with MANY more than 18 light amphibs.
That would appear to be the minimum number possible to make this new Littoral Missile Marine Concept work.
The number of unmanned surface/undersea vessels seems on the light side too. I thought they would be a force multiplier and would act as picket ships, ISR platforms and missile ships.
The worst thing.
The Chinese now have a number. You can bet they'll be aiming at a two to one advantage ~~~all with the thought that they're gonna be playing on home turf.
