With the USN already far behind the curve the envisioned 313 ship navy is clearly slipping away. So one should think about an alternative structure. Food for thoughts:
>> 8 CVN
It should be 15, but as long as 100.000 tons CVNs are built, that won't happen.
(Alternative would be 24 CVKs of around 55.000 tons with a 50 plane airwing).
Build one every 4 years.
>> 40 Large Escorts
Based on (re-built) Burkes. Five per carrier, two for anti-air, three for anti-sub (or the other way round, depending on war game analysis).
>> 16 Fleet Replenishers
>> 8 BMD Cruisers
Rebuild the best of the remaining Ticonderogas.
>> 30-35 Amphibious Assault & Fire Support Ships
LHAs and LPDs, using older helicopter carriers as platforms for ATACMS batteries for fire support and hospital ships. Forget about DD-X.
>> 30 Large Fregates
NOT LCS! A ship for policing the ocean's backyards.
>> 30 SSN and 10 SSKs
>> 18 to 24 SSB/CN with 12-16 SLBM/SLCM each
The current number of Ohios is too low for survivability against a real enemy, the large number of missiles on one boat is a problem. A mix of single-warhead SLBM, mirv'd SLBMs, and SLCMs is advisable.
>> Combat Support Vessels
Like ice breakers, mine hunter, high-sea tugs, tenders, &c. Around 20 to 30.
>> Strategic Sealifters
Mostly RoRo, Container Ships, Tankers. Whatever is needed, 30 to 50.
>> USMC Riverine and Coast Guard Units
>> 8 CVN
It should be 15, but as long as 100.000 tons CVNs are built, that won't happen.
(Alternative would be 24 CVKs of around 55.000 tons with a 50 plane airwing).
Build one every 4 years.
>> 40 Large Escorts
Based on (re-built) Burkes. Five per carrier, two for anti-air, three for anti-sub (or the other way round, depending on war game analysis).
>> 16 Fleet Replenishers
>> 8 BMD Cruisers
Rebuild the best of the remaining Ticonderogas.
>> 30-35 Amphibious Assault & Fire Support Ships
LHAs and LPDs, using older helicopter carriers as platforms for ATACMS batteries for fire support and hospital ships. Forget about DD-X.
>> 30 Large Fregates
NOT LCS! A ship for policing the ocean's backyards.
>> 30 SSN and 10 SSKs
>> 18 to 24 SSB/CN with 12-16 SLBM/SLCM each
The current number of Ohios is too low for survivability against a real enemy, the large number of missiles on one boat is a problem. A mix of single-warhead SLBM, mirv'd SLBMs, and SLCMs is advisable.
>> Combat Support Vessels
Like ice breakers, mine hunter, high-sea tugs, tenders, &c. Around 20 to 30.
>> Strategic Sealifters
Mostly RoRo, Container Ships, Tankers. Whatever is needed, 30 to 50.
>> USMC Riverine and Coast Guard Units