The criticism of LCS at the Bonhomme Richard fire centres on nearby ships being towed away because of concern about radiant heat, drawing resources away from firefighting. Second World War ships had come alongside burning carriers to help with their pumps, with Birmingham cited as an example of the danger involved. The comparison questions the usefulness of a warship that cannot assist another ship burning beside it. A separate criticism targets the 45-knot requirement for intercepting smugglers and small boats. A Seahawk helicopter is proposed as a more suitable means of interception than chasing those boats with a multi-thousand-ton warship.
Notable Point · 2:22:49-2:25:01
LCS firefighting limits and the 45-knot requirement
The Bonhomme Richard fire raises questions about LCS support to other ships, followed by criticism of requiring a large warship to chase small boats at 45 knots.