Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:00:53-2:03:28

A proposed US naval procurement reset

The proposed priorities end further LCS purchases, develop a cruiser from Zumwalt, expand the frigate force, and give Marines more organic support.

Constellation Class FrigatesNaval ProcurementUS Marine CorpsUS NavyZumwalt Class Destroyers
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Question

What would you do as US Secretary of the Navy?

Short answer

End LCS procurement, expand Constellation frigates, explore a Zumwalt-based cruiser and light carrier, and strengthen Marine Corps firepower.

Notes

The proposed priorities would stop further Littoral Combat Ship procurement and accelerate construction of Constellation-class frigates. A cruiser-sized combatant derived from the Zumwalt hull would sit above them, avoiding further extension of the Arleigh Burke design. A light fleet carrier based on French work derived from the Queen Elizabeth-class design would also merit investigation. The Marine Corps would receive more armoured vehicles and organic firepower suited to dispersed island deployments. These choices share one principle: a ship or forward-deployed unit must carry enough support and protection to remain useful when the ideal network or task group is unavailable.