An Arleigh Burke chasing drug smugglers illustrates the cost of lacking a more suitable patrol ship. Routine maritime security consumes the destroyer's service life and engine life. It also takes time that could support training or maintenance. When no alternative vessel is available, a major combatant has to cover these duties. A patrol frigate would help address that mismatch between the task and the ship assigned to it.
Notable Point · 2:35-3:06
The cost of using Arleigh Burkes for routine maritime security
Drug interdiction and other security duties consume destroyer and engine life while displacing opportunities for maintenance and training.