[jjm2111]

That was halfway a joke. I think for amphib operations support and attacking coastal targets, big guns are both better and cheaper. Of course a future "battleship" of such would need strong AA defenses and prolly would be escorted.

Yes, the "General Belgrano" was torpedoed, and the "Sheffield" was hit by an exoxcet.

[Nitro]

I thought you meant ship-to-ship engagements, but you are exactly correct when you say a Marine Amphib Force needs a little love in the shape of NGFS!!

That and close-air-support, but that will come from VMF's flying off Navy decks!!