Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:06:32-2:07:17

The tradeoff in using expeditionary sea bases to reload VLS

Fold-away cranes on expeditionary sea bases could support destroyer VLS reloads, but would consume space and make already valuable auxiliaries even more critical targets.

Auxiliary ShipsExpeditionary Sea BaseNaval LogisticsUnderway ReplenishmentUS NavyVertical Launch Systems
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Question

Could expeditionary sea bases carry folding cranes to reload destroyer VLS cells?

Short answer

Potentially, but the equipment would displace other missions and make a highly valuable support ship still more important and vulnerable.

Notes

Fold-away cranes on an expeditionary sea base could in principle help replenish destroyer VLS cells. The engineering idea is plausible, yet the ship cannot take on the mission for free. Equipment, deck area, training, and operating time would be diverted from the sea base's primary expeditionary tasks precisely when those tasks are most needed. Concentrating another vital function on the ESB would also make an already important support ship an even more valuable target.