Hormuz risk: replaceability, crew exposure and proper support

The Strait of Hormuz is a suggested setting for these ships' duties. For a mission involving mine risk, the preference is to expose a vessel that is easier to afford to replace. Fewer crew would also mean fewer people at risk if the ship were lost. Appropriate equipment and support remain essential to give the vessel a good chance of surviving the passage. No specific mine-clearance equipment accompanies this proposal for managing the risk. The closing judgment accepts a use for the ships while doubting that the design represents the Navy's longer-term future.