Posted on 07/01/2002 7:16:04 AM PDT by Stand Watch Listen
The US Navy has decided to lease a new high-speed vessel (HSV) to both temporarily serve as its operational mine countermeasures (MCM) command and control ship, and to conduct experiments during downtime.Rear Adm Robert Sprigg, head of the Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC), said the service had opted to lease the ship - to replace the MCM command and control mission formerly conducted by the Iwo Jima-class USS Inchon ( MCS 12) - following its experiences with the Bolinger/Incat USA Joint Venture High Speed Vessel X1 (HSV-X1) that conducted limited mine-warfare and anti-submarine warfare experiments (Jane's Defence Weekly 10 April).
The HSV was selected as the most economical and responsive way to conduct the Inchon's mission over the next three to five years until replacement options can be fully explored, Adm Sprigg added.
Another near-term option that had been considered for the mission was to use the navy's general purpose (LHA) and multi-purpose (LHD) amphibious assault ships but that was determined to be an inefficient use of those vessels. "It is a bit like using an 18-wheeler instead of a pickup truck when you need to move your sofa," Adm Sprigg said.
Over the long-term, replacement options include having a dedicated MCM command and control module ready for deployment on a multi-mission HSV in times of crisis. The HSV would conduct logistics operations most of the time, Adm Sprigg said, but could be converted "in hours not days" to the MCM role when needed.
Although there would be limitations to this approach, such as the inability to carry MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters, the concept will be evaluated using the leased HSV.
The new leased ship will be used 50% of the time by the NWDC, which will conduct the operational MCM command missions. The remainder of its time will be split conducting experiments for NWDC and the US Marine Corps Combat Developments Command. Those experiments include testing concepts for countering diesel-electric submarines and swarming small surface craft, as well as supporting sea basing and Maritime Pre-position Force (Future) ships.
A formal request for proposals for the HSV lease is expected later this month and the target date for awarding the contract is 1 October, Adm Sprigg said. The navy anticipates that the ship could be fielded early next year.
How about an ACAC? Aircraft Carrier Air Cushion.
What is the limit on nautical mileage before they have to pay a penalty?
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