Flight III Arleigh Burkes are identified here primarily with replacing Ticonderoga cruisers. The need to replace ageing Flight I destroyers is acknowledged as a separate demand. Eventually the newer destroyers could cover some of that role as well. If cruiser and early-Burke retirements overlap, however, the same production programme has to serve both needs. A continuing build line therefore does not by itself show that each retiring category will be replaced at the intended rate.
Notable Point · 2:19:00-2:21:01
Flight III Burkes first replace Ticonderoga cruisers
Flight III Arleigh Burkes were driven by the Ticonderoga cruiser retirement, even though they will eventually overlap with replacement of the oldest Burkes.