In a conflict with a major power then in all likelihood we're going to be operating in conjunction with the US Navy, which means even more escorts working from a much, much larger sensor picture. The chances of an LHD's survival go up, not down, in that situation.My point was if involved in a conflict with a major power the fleet would be saturated by enemy missiles and aircraft and if the escorts are destroyed it leaves the LHD a sitting-duck. The future Replenishment-ships should also have the same armament I suggested for the LHD's. Navy will always have a small number of hulls so each ship should have a capable defence. I won't even mention the LHD's should have had four (4) AV8B Plus II each; sorry, I just did.
And if you seriously think area defence escorts are going to have their hands full just looking after themselves and will put no emphasis on defending the high value asset then I'm sorry, but you're totally incorrect. And a Phalanx or two won't make a lick of difference.