Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 49:15-52:34

The long U.S. Navy search for a true cruiser successor

A proposed battleship-branded program could evolve into the large missile escort the U.S. Navy has repeatedly sought, but authorization timing and Congress could still reshape it.

Arleigh Burke Class DestroyersCruisersDestroyersLive Q&AModern NavyNaval ProcurementTiconderoga Class CruisersUS Navy
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Question

Could the proposed Trump-class battleship become a heavy missile cruiser after Trump leaves office?

Short answer

Yes, it could become the large cruiser or escort the Navy has long wanted, but authorization timing and later congressional control make the design highly uncertain.

Notes

The proposal sits within decades of frustrated U.S. cruiser procurement. Ticonderogas were destroyer-leader-sized ships redesignated as cruisers, and Flight III Arleigh Burkes do not fully reproduce their role. A battleship label may give the Navy's desired large missile escort a better chance of surviving cancellation. Its final form will depend heavily on whether Congress authorizes it before or after the midterm elections and on the legislators controlling the program.