"However, I am the first to agree that the 16" are the answer to maximum ordinance on target. The ability to place the shells where they needs to be 20 miles + is there, and just as reliable as the latest computer software"
One thing that's important: Last I looked this is a team effort: no one will be doing the job "all by themselves"
When it comes to softening up a beachhead (which is still quite conceiveable) nothing beats a BB.
Perhaps the CVN's can out perform a BB, but their escorts (all conventional) will burn far more fuel per ton than a BB at anything over 20kt. That, plus their limited bunkerage will require them to UNREP more often. In any case, flank speed is rarely used. Cruising speed and range is still pretty respectable---what matters is having the asset where you need it, when you have it. You are going to have the AO's there (and now the T-AO's) regardless
(Also, BUSHIPS has looked at (in some detail) replacing the steam plant with Gas Turbines.)
Sabot rounds can reach further, plus the they pack a pretty good punch. I've still seen both 16/54 HE and AP rounds go much further than 20 miles. Insofar as we are dealing with beach heads (where Marines like to play) the BB is still a very viable weapon. If you add that in, plus the modifactions that Darth pointed out, you have what comes out to be a multi-purpose BB (add in the OHIO-class SSGN's that are due beginning in 2006 and you hav nice package)
You worry about manning. The navy can easily reduce ship's company to about 1,100-1,400 (depending on BB configuration)through automation and upgrades. While that is still a goodly amount of manpower, the platform is worth it.
It's easy for those who are sitting at sea to say what's good and what's not----in the end it's the Marines and Army that want an area softened up, a good idea considering they will be going into it.
That makes it worth it as well.
The new BB is not...not going to be some zenith do it all weapon platform
yet...if foresight is applied...the BB's huge hull and revamped interior ...modded for 21st with automation,
that effort enable the ship to have VLS cells banks for SM3 LEAP...AMB intercrept system....other new gen systems.
The navy has toyed with the concept of an arseanl ship.
what better option is there...stuff phenominal ord in a thin skinned ship which just one stand off weapon could knock out of action with a hit.
or apply the concept to the BB's hull and have a tasker that can stay in a fight...hold the line alone if need be.
Lastly....and something the Navy and Congress have failed to address...is the sheer granduer import that a BB brings to influence public attention...at home and abroad.
A BB steaming toward some distant shore on CNN is spectacular....the thing bristles with visual resolve.
Phone lines and seats fill up in the U.N. as paniced ....treacheorus types now rush to recover from what is unfolding.
U.S. Aegis warship are beautifull to some degree....but nothing visually like a BB with the nations Flag snapping in the breeze.
Now would be a good time...while Patriotism is growing..and a sense of return..as Americas influence see's world situations change.
If America found itself in a conflict which saw sustained attack at sea.
The naval yards at home would be overwhelemed to compensate.
Post Leyte Gulf to Okinawa saw an attrition rate which was staggering.
Nearly 300 DD's and DE's were damaged in some form alone during Okinawa opps in 45.
The charred and twisted cans were parked like an auto lot at Keramma Rhetto.
Wisemans cove ..was sarcastically called.... Wisemans junk yard by bluejackets.