The proposed fleet would have inherited presence work associated with Spruance-class destroyers and status roles once filled by nuclear cruisers and Ticonderogas. Guns and missiles were supposed to support a broad general-purpose mission rather than a tiny specialist squadron. The ships could anchor conflict-management deployments while remaining useful in fleet combat. A substantial production run would also amortize new technology and prepare systems for later classes.
Notable Point · 22:03-23:22
A general-purpose centerpiece for conflict management
In its larger planned run, the class was meant to combine missiles and guns in a flexible surface centerpiece whose technology would feed later ships.