USNI DFW23 American Sea Power Project Panel

[@MultiCconway]

The “Dynamic Duo” of Surface Combatant Tender Team is the National Security Multi-mission Vessel (NMSV) and a new Heavy Lift Tender/Drydock with very large [and long] cranes. Unit two under construction and it looks like a winner. This is probably the most efficient ship underway today. She can transit at 16 knots, and has more real-estate for use than a small college campus very compactly arranged on a single hull. Designs for this to be a Surface Combatant Tender should already be underway. The Heavy Lift Tender/Drydock has the most capability for its size, cost, and utility. This new heavy-lifter should at a minimum be able to transport the largest AFDM that will be supporting the U.S. Navy maintenance operations. It should have four large/long cranes located where they can telescope to reach about half the length of the vessel. If necessary it should have machinery spaces where it can at least support itself with repair parts, but also support Tender Operations. The cranes can support reload operations on vessels moored along side simultaneously with transport/repair operations going on the main deck. Both vessels should be able to support Heavy Lift Helicopters (CH-53/CMV-22B) transporting parts/personnel to/from the vessel.

[@MultiCconway]

Future fleet composition will require a survivability built into the platform that goes beyond watertight integrity & compartmentalization. If you cannot see it coming . . . AND do something about it . . . or you WILL NOT SURVIVE. Distributed forces continues to make adversarial targeting more complex and increases likelihood of platform survival. Since this activity will be taking place in the Pacific . . . having long legs is an absolute requirement so Hybrid-Electric Drive is necessary for efficient use of fuel so we can stretch the fuel bunkers to get longer ranges/periods at sea, and the turbine(s) used for speed when needed. The Integrated Electrical Power Distribution System in redundancy is also an absolute must. New Directed Energy Weapons for point Self-Defense will increase survivability. Introduction of medium range weapons that can be constructed, fly further on less energy, are Smart, and are re-attack capable will increase throughput of combat capability on fewer dollars. Otherwise . . . the adversary just empties our magazines on low-value and less-lethal targets in short order BEFORE they actually attack. Distributed forces would suggest more platforms, and they will not all be unmanned (programmed to act in a specific manner predictably). The modern naval battle-space is a very dynamic place with variable we can control . . . and some that we cannot with weather being a case in point. A new smaller Small Surface Combatant that can be constructed to a known and well defined standard configuration is needed. A note in the FORCEnet, and user thereof . . . these new little platforms fill gaps and provide Presence in locations where too few Large Surface Combatants can cover. What would such a platform look like? No more than 450’ long with a draft of no more than 4,500 tons. This should be a fast hull that can handle inclement weather and include steaming above the Arctic Circle. This must necessarily be a multi-warfare capable ship. It may not have a hull-mounted sonar but an ASW helo and towed array would at least be on board. The installed naval artillery should be Smart-Guided ammo capable. Use of an existing U.S. platform currently in construction is required and the USCG Offshore Patrol Cutter is suggested. Standard naval systems already fielded should be used in this construct, and emphasis on improving/growing availability of these parts across the fleet should be an emphasis beginning yesterday. Discipline in adhering to this design philosophy must be paramount for all concerned. A program manager with sufficient power/authority and rules with an Iron Hand is required for such a program. Rear Admiral Wayne E. Meyer like management style is required with a Kelly Johnson twist.

[@MultiCconway]

American manufacture of existing very capable missiles that meet the need, cost less, and can be manufactured more rapidly at more effective (lower) cost should be pursued ASAP. The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems i-Derby and Python family missiles are much less expensive, have a minimum range of 1/4 mile and max range of just under 100 miles. They can be launched from land/sea/air. We need these to come on line yesterday so we do not have to keep killing flies with Sledge Hammers using very capable and expensive American Missiles. Manufacture of American Missiles require expansion as well as development and manufacture of Guided Projectiles for Naval Artillery in all calibers medium and larger.

[@MultiCconway]

We are staring at the 1930's and the common knowledge at the time about Japanese intentions. China is very rapidly approaching a point to determine their jump-off criteria which probably has already been established. Something yet to occur may actually push that threshold lower because we just made it easier for them. We have spent over thirty years doing just that . . . making it easier, and helping them fund their malfeasance out of selfish real-time gains to proponents here in the U.S. Sad state of affairs because those same entities WILL NOT invest in OUR OWN U.S. Interest.

[@larrylegg8245]

I heard the USAF, Generals and the US Navy Admirls have this same discussion last year after the Chinese spy balloon floated from the military bases in Alaska across Canada, Washington states military bases, Montana military bases, central US Military bases, and SE US Navy bases, and out in the Atlantic Ocean where the US Navy finally popped the Chinese spy ballon. All the Military services said that when they left that meeting they were going to hit ground running to bring all the militarys up to speed in all areas to deal with our Chinese declared ENEMY. And here we are again today one year later talking about the very same things, over and over again. Another year wasted and behind without a damn thing being done. I suggest you all get off your asses, stop talking, and get moving as though America had already been attacked. Why don't you try moving at the speed Americans moved after we were attacked in Hawaii at the beginning of WW ll. Do you get it?