Since the USSR folded, the US Navy has basically disestablished both AMW and ASW. Anti-sub warfare was abandoned when the Russian Navy folded and P-3s were sent to die a slow death through overuse as overland sensor and weapons platforms. There were 451 P-3s flying when I left my last P-3 squadron. There are now about 60. The P-8 will not be built in meaningful numbers and serves mainly as a cash cow for Boeing. Anti-mine warfare is in even worse shape. The USN's mine warfare ships were quickly, cheaply, and badly built as a fast replacement for the old but reliable MSOs. Our anti-mine warfare ships have crappy engines, catch fire, are judged non-seaworthy in deep water, and are being scrapped as quickly as politics allow. They go to the back of the line for funding and maintenance and are basically large yard barges manned but disspirited crews that rotate among the few hulls that can move. AMW is supposed to be done with helicopters. Good luck with that.
In the coming shooting war with Muslims, their subs and mines will raise hell with our carrier battle groups.
I don’t think there’s a Navy in the Western world that takes mine warfare seriously these days.
Why were the Osprey class decommissioned?
Good post.
Are you familiar with the Ponce?
Rumor has it the threat has gotten to the point that we are establishing an AMW command ship there. The separate command would unify the combined arms AMW with surface vessels, subs and aircraft.