USS Monterey deploys for European missile defense

Associated Press via Yahoo News ^ | 7 March, 2011 | BROCK VERGAKIS

[GWConservative]

I like this one! Sea - based missile defense is a great idea. Now let’s get France to pay for it.

[Errant]

A warhead would be significantly heavier, but then, it doesn't have to achieve orbital velocity either.

Precisely and the weapon to use against the US or Europe would be devices optimized for EMP effects. Such an attack may instantly catapult the entire nation back to the 1800s and any counter attack from us would probably be limited compared to say a direct attack on an American city.

[K-Stater]

Precisely and the weapon to use against the US or Europe would be devices optimized for EMP effects. Such an attack may instantly catapult the entire nation back to the 1800s and any counter attack from us would probably be limited compared to say a direct attack on an American city.

And how does a land-based missile defense system in Poland protect us from that?

[Errant]

EMP Myths

[Errant]

And how does a land-based missile defense system in Poland protect us from that?

Land based anti ballistic missiles have much greater range and capabilities and Poland is actually a good location for intercepting ICBMs from several countries in that part of the world, including Iran.

[K-Stater]

Land based anti ballistic missiles have much greater range and capabilities and Poland is actually a good location for intercepting ICBMs from several countries in that part of the world, including Iran.

Assuming, of course, that Iran aims in that direction.

[Errant]

Assuming, of course, that Iran aims in that direction.

Alaska has our back.

[K-Stater]

Alaska has our back.

Of course it does.

[Errant]

Alaska is the first line of defense in our missile interceptor defense system. The 49th Missile Defense Battalion of the Alaska National Guard is the unit that protects the entire nation from ballistic missile attacks. It’s on permanent active duty, unlike other Guard units.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Errant.

...as the U.S. started implementing its plan to protect Europe from a potential Iranian nuclear threat.

This wouldn't be necessary -- and neither would the Middle East be burning down via the efforts of proxies -- if we turned Iran into a melted glass suncatcher.

[rmlew]

Yeah, she really is a beauty. Have to admit though, I thought she was an Arleigh Burke at first. Is she a Block II or a Block III Tico? I don’t have an up to date Janes’ so I have no idea now what have become of the CGNs.

CG-61 is a Block III Ticonderoga class cruiser, if by Block III, you mean it has the Mk-41 VLS system and can operate Seahawks. The first 5 Ticos (Flight 1: Ticonderoga and Yorktown) and (Flight II: Vincennes, Valley Forge, Thomas Gates) were all retired as the Mk-26 missile launching system was retired. All of our nuclear cruisers are gone. That includes the Virgina class, which were struck with less than 20 years of service.

[Errant]

She seems kinda naked with that single 5"? upfront and little or no armor from the oil canning visible on the side of the hull.

In contrast the USS Biloxi, a Cleveland class light cruiser of WW II:

Displacement: 11,744 tons standard, 14,131 tons full load
Dimensions: 600' wl, 610' 1" loa, 66' 4" beam, 24' 6" full load draft
Machinery: 4-shaft GE turbines, 4 Babcock & Wilson boilers, 100,000 shp = 32.5 kts. Oil 1507-2100 tons, range 11,000nm at 15 kts.
Armor: Belt 5"-3.5"; armored deck 2"; bulkheads 5"; barbettes 6"; turrets 6.5" face, 3" top, 3" sides, 1.5" rear; CT 5" with 2.25" roof
Armament: 12-6"/47 (4x3), 12-5"/38 DP (6x2), 28-40mm AA (4x4, 6x2), 10-20mm AA (10x1), 4 aircraft
Complement: 1285
Commissioned: 1943 (Cleveland class 1942-1946)

USS Cleveland

[Errant]

Iran has hundreds of these: