In the end, I suggest we ask the Marine Corps and Army which they'd rather have doing fire support for them - one of these ships with two 155 mm guns and an undisclosed number of missiles - or a carrier air wing or two, with the attendant escorts and their weaponry. Not to mention the necessary amphib ships that have their own organic air wings of Harriers and attack helos.

Or the two or three older Ohio class SSBN's that have been converted to special ops boats, to deliver SEAL teams and carry a crapload of cruise and land/surface attack missiles.

I'm thinking the real reasons these 3 ships are being built is to keep certain defense contractors happy, and that Bath Iron Works is in the home state of a long-serving and influential Republican senator (given they were authorized under GWB). Wouldn't be the first time that Congress authorized programs that the various services said they didn't want or need, but were authorized anyway for "political" reasons.

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Just say "NO" to Ethanol - Drive Diesel

Mitchell Oates
Mooresville, NC
'87 300D 212K miles
'87 300D 151K miles - R.I.P. 12/08
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD 67K miles
Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club