Today’s U.S. Navy ships need solid punching power

The U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship or LCS has drawn considerable flak in recent years due to the relatively slow shipbuilding. But perfecting its design and expanding its functions may simply be a matter of finding the right add-ons, explains James Feldkamp, former Navy Commander and now an adjunct professor at George Mason University.

Image source: lockheedmartin.com

Image source: military.com
About half of all available LCS have not been active since the Cold War. If the LCS is indeed to again become a crucial vessel in the U.S. Navy fleet, it must offer solid punching power. After all, the ship already comes with a modular design. It’s possible to place, say, add-on sleets as part of today’s open-architecture, off-the-shelf technology.

One of the best ways to realize the LCS’ capabilities and potential is to equip them with the Norwegian-made, fifth-generation Naval Strike Missile. Having these missiles on board is one of the best ways to increase U.S. naval ship presence in the seas, as they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Plus, the more the U.S. military embraces these modular technologies, the better all-around purpose the ships will have, outside enhanced strike capability.

The United States needs to find more visible ways to project its power, especially since a lot of developed nations now have fleets of ships deployed in the major oceans. While having these ships is crucial in U.S. territorial waters, it is likewise important in positioning the U.S. Navy in various regions like, for example, the South China Sea. With China not abiding by the Hague ruling, the U.S. needs to have a better presence in the area. It is important for the U.S. not let other nations take advantage of its reduced fleet size and sequestration, adds James Feldkamp.

James Feldkamp is the founder of JLF Solutions, which provides training and subject-matter expertise in the field of counterterrorism, transnational crimes, and maritime domain awareness. Head over to this blog for related updates.

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