OK, as usual I am claiming credit for common sense - but let a guy have some fun where he can.
Common sense isn't that common - and often times people seem to compromise themselves in to a parallel universe. A few iterations in to excessive compromise and conflicting priorities gets you - as we discussed in part in yesterday's Midrats - to where we are with LCS.
It is one thing for the gray beards to discuss such things - but when the forward looking leaders of tomorrow come to the same conclusion, then we may be on to something.
BU's Midshipman Thibault over at CIMSEC gets an approving scowlish nod from the Salamander.
In order to dominate undersea warfare, the vessel must protect itself from air and sea threats. The small SPY-1K, a single DART-capable 76mm naval gun, quad-packed ESSM or VLA ASROC in an 8 cell tactical length Mark 41 VLS, 4 Harpoon or new ASuW missiles, Block 1B CIWS and several 25 mm and .50 caliber weapons will provide strong protection against a variety of threats ranging from enemy surface combatants to ASCMs and swarms. An effective Combat Information Center near the bridge and using the newest computer systems will provide this vessel to best protect itself from enemy assets trying to interrupt its main function, finding and destroying submarines.Shipmate - you're talking a good multi-mission frigate - and you're talking smart. A little rough in a spot or two - but you're on the right vector.
However, there must be a point where the proverbial line in the sand is drawn. This vessel does not provide area air defense, it does not perform land attack missions, and it does not seek out surface combatants. The Navy requires flexible warships which can take the fight to the enemy. It is not a jack of all trades; it destroys enemy submarines.
When an old Yugoslav Navy torpedo boat Skipper, a retired USN CDR, and a minty-fresh MIDN's ven diagrams are at 85% overlap ... I think that's good company to keep.
