[ken5050]

I recall ( I think it was the late 80's early 90's) the Navy was actively developing rocket boosted artillery shells for the remaining battleships then still in commission. IIRC, the maximum range was 200 miles+, which would have brought about 80% of the planet's main population areas within range.

The plan was cancelled because the cost of keeping a BB in service was deemed too expensive ( maintenance, upgrades, and crew) Yet those numbers pale when you look at the tens of billions we're spending now..or the cost of sending a Tomahawk to kill an ISIL truck.

Imagine the New Jersey in the Med, lobbing salvos of 16" shells onto ISIL camps...there would soon be a big shortage of virgins..

Regarding the Zumwalt class, I have heard much criticism to suggest that a crew that size (150) cannot possibly provide sufficient damage control personnel in a ship that size (15,000 tons) I'd welcome your comments on that aspect of the ship's viability.

[FreeAtlanta]

We should build some towable 16” gun barges. Pull them to the battle zone and wham!

Could we take some of the 16” guns off of some of the old decommissioned ships?

[X Fretensis]

Add the nuclear 16” projectiles developed in the 50s and you would have one hell of weapon system.

[Pecos]

Let’s keep it simple and say that there are a number of automated systems on this ship that previous classes do not have. Beyond that, I’d rather not discuss potential vulnerabilities of a ship with Navy bluejackets in it. I’m sure you’ll understand.

[RinaseaofDs]

I think we had 142 people on a USCG 378.

I can’t imagine being the DCA on this one. Better hope your automation works.