Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:56:25-2:57:01

Using Zumwalt as an interim US cruiser

The existing Zumwalt hull offered a path to preserve cruiser-scale missile capacity while a purpose-built successor remained unavailable.

CruisersTiconderoga Class CruisersUS NavyVertical Launch SystemsZumwalt Class Destroyers
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Question

Was it wise for the US Navy to retire the Ticonderogas without a capable replacement?

Short answer

No; an interim Zumwalt variant replacing the failed gun system with additional Mark 41 cells could have provided a useful missile cruiser.

Notes

The hull's volume and survivability are assets that could be repurposed. Filling the gun spaces with conventional VLS and retaining naval guns would convert a troubled program into a practical interim combatant. Mark 41 cells would use established missiles instead of depending on the failed Advanced Gun System ammunition concept. The result could bridge the gap between retiring Ticonderogas and a purpose-built future large surface combatant.