Do not get me wrong. It's a numbers game and we should have kept the Spruance class in particular. They were excellent ASW platforms, and with the VLS tubes had also developed into very strong multi-role destroyers...they were however weak on AAW. Still, most had a good 15-20 years service life left and instead of at least using them to replace the older vessels in the reserve fleet...the bulk of them we have sunk in live fire exercises.
Of even more concern is the retirement from ASW duties and carrier service of the S-3 Vikings. They were designed specifically for ASW duty, and had long legs (range) for that duty. There is absolutely nothing in service to replace them. All airborne ASW duties for the CSG now are performed by the helos...which, while good, have very short legs. It is true that we use the P-3 Orions as well, but they have to fly from shore and are only of limited use.
An ASW version of the Osprey would help...but the Vikings, or its replacement, were optimized and designed specifically for that purpose.
Having said all of that...my own inside sources tell me Trav that we pretty much rooted this guy out and forced him to the surface. Though we have reitred significant assetts, and in the world today, particularly with China going hells bells in naval buildup, we should have maintained the vast numerical and qualitative advantage that we had.
Just the same, with the Burkes and the helos and the LA Class subs performing ASW duties, we are far better at the ASW job than anyone else in the world.
Interesting times!!!!
Yeah it won’t be long before these monkeys are dropping in on everybody.........:o)
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