Early plans called for construction starts in 2008, 2009, and 2012, but the laid-down dates arrived much later. Lyndon B. Johnson, the third hull, also received a steel rather than composite upper structure. That change increased radar cross-section on a ship whose signature reduction was meant to make a large combatant resemble a fishing vessel at long range. Reducing detection probability in even one sensor medium still complicates enemy reconnaissance and threat management.
Chapter · 40:52-43:43
Construction delays and the steel-deckhouse compromise
The three hulls slipped years beyond the 2008 schedule, while the final ship's steel superstructure traded away part of the class's carefully designed radar signature.