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.
Thanks!
As I had pointed out---the BB is part, but not all, of the equation. Howver, it's a very important link.
You make a point I had avoided making---but a VERY valid one nonetheless.
A BB is not only a powerful ship--it LOOKS powerful!
As you state, the BB's have the most stable hull ever---excellent for a new weapons system(s)
My dad has 13 bothers---7 of whom served in the Navy--and one of whom was aboard USS OBERRENDER when the MOUNT HOOD blew up at Manus. The concussion alone nearly scuppered OBIE (she was nailed later by a Kamikaze--and damaged beyond economical repair--she too ended up at Wisemans)) OBIE was a very able ship---but as you pointed out--a thin skinned one.
The DDG's we have today ARE very robust--the Damage suffered byCOLE proves that. BUT, she was still knocked out of the fight for quite a while. Another Uncle rode BB's in WWII---the newer ones took damage---but kept on going.
Aside from all the Technical and tactical stuff, SEEING the BB's and KNOWING they are as capable as they look sends a big message: Mess with this nation at your own peril!!!!
Combine her with the Carrier Battle Group, and you have a collection of ships that can do anything---at anytime.