Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:51:29-3:53:43

Modern naval gunfire support without a monitor revival

Heavy shore bombardment may continue through general-purpose destroyers without reviving the specialized monitor hull.

Amphibious WarfareLive Q&ALoitering MunitionsMonitorsNaval ArtilleryNaval Gunfire SupportUS Marine Corps
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Question

Could U.S. Marine Corps demand for large-caliber naval fire support bring monitors back?

Short answer

Probably not. An 8-inch gun on a general-purpose destroyer, supplemented by loitering munitions, is more plausible than a specialized monitor.

Notes

An 8-inch gun is offered as an optimistic possibility for answering Marine Corps demands for heavier naval fire support. It would most likely be installed on a general-purpose destroyer. Zumwalt is considered the closest contemporary approach to a monitor's shore-support role. The projected mix includes guns and loitering munitions, with no commitment to a new specialized monitor class.