A gap between naval requirements and political understanding of fleet roles is presented here as part of the procurement problem. Spruance and Zumwalt provide the comparison: the Navy retained a need for the older destroyer's work after that role had faded from the wider political picture. A new vessel called a destroyer could then be judged against the familiar Burke even when it served a different purpose. Constellation is explicitly described as having a different intended role from a mini-Burke, while Burke-derived standards and similar systems are offered as reasons the comparison arose. One proposed way to distinguish the first flight was to retain Mark 41 VLS and growth capacity, initially use ESSM, and defer the expanded Aegis and Standard-missile fit to Flight II. The discussion also considers clearer designations for ships that support or lead an air battle.
Notable Point · 1:10:21-1:16:46
Why Constellation invited comparisons with the Burke
Familiar ship labels and systems could obscure a frigate's intended role; a less extensive initial missile fit is proposed as one way to distinguish it.