[R. Scott]

Gen. Michael W. Hagee, the current commandant of the Marine Corps, testified on April 1, 2003, that loss of naval surface fire support from battleships would place his troops "at considerable risk." On July 29 this year, Hagee asserted: "Our aviation is really quite good, but it can, in fact, be weathered."

I have to totally support General Hagee, having benefited from gun cruiser support – I left before the New Jersey arrived. It is often said, “Generals prepare to fight the last war”. It should be, “Politicians prepare to fight the last war”.
Before the Iraq War politicians (and I include politicians in uniform) wanted to get rid of main battle tanks and the Warthog – because we would never again be in a conventional war.

[Strategerist]

Well, since the military budget isn't infinite, there's a series of tradeoffs.

This debate comes up all the time on naval-oriented boards, to the groans of all; pretty much universally the really knowledgeable naval people think it's sort of silly to even consider recommissioning the Iowas.

[Jet Jaguar]

Good post. The A-10 was to have been retired prior to GWOT, but they have been a very effective weapon on Afghanistan and Iraq.