What's the most lethal vessel in the Navy's modern arsenal?

2015-05-11T23:23:51-04:00

What is the Navy's most lethal warship in today's fleet? The aircraft carrier? The submarine? Something else? What say you?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-05-11T23:28:41-04:00

Anything with a weapon!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 11:31 PM

2015-05-11T23:31:12-04:00

Actually I would have to say the aircraft carrier with the nuclear subs a close second.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 11 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-05-11T23:33:21-04:00

As a (retired) surface Sailor I would love to say Destroyers (DDG) and Cruisers (CG), but honestly I would have to say Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN). They have the capability to blow up small countries and you would never know they were there.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 11 at 2015 11:35 PM

2015-05-11T23:35:36-04:00

I vote for a nuclear powered submarine with nukes because she is silent but deadly.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 11 at 2015 11:52 PM

2015-05-11T23:52:12-04:00

I am a dirt Soldier, so I would say an Aircraft Carrier or a Ballistic Missile Submarine...

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 12 at 2015 12:06 AM

2015-05-12T00:06:03-04:00

Once again, demonstrating my bias: I'd say anything that starts with "L" --LPH, LHA, LPD, etc. These "gators" carry Marines. C'mon!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 12 at 2015 12:09 AM

2015-05-12T00:09:09-04:00

This
lb4lb

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 12 at 2015 2:06 AM

2015-05-12T02:06:52-04:00

It would be a Trident SSBN of course. I worked out at Bangor and had a chance to go aboard them a few times. It just seemed strange wandering around "Sherwood Forest" (the tubes). Like all our submarines, lots of pipes anchored at each bend with a rubber dampener ring. Interesting things I learned. It was the last sub designed on paper. CAD came out later. The fire control computer is old school; motors and gears. Utterly reliable and even when taking a beating. The subs don't belong to the Navy. They are owned by the Strategic Program; the same outfit that owns the AF nukes. The torpedo system looks like Rube Goldberg on Meth. That's because SP didn't have that in the original design and the Navy said they weren't taking anything out that can't shoot back. Some of them have been converted to shoot Tomahawks, 154 of them. That said, the platform is getting long in the tooth so the replacement design is underway. Last I heard they will cost $4B a copy.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 6:41 AM

2015-05-12T06:41:04-04:00

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 12 at 2015 8:40 AM

2015-05-12T08:40:08-04:00

SSBN, hands down. A single SSBN has more operational 100-300 kt than the third most powerful nuclear nation. (As hinted at by PO1 John Miller and LTC Paul Labrador).

The operational nuclear warhead pecking order goes: 1. US 2. RUS 3. A single US SSBN

The raw numbers invert the US and Russia, but the SSBN is still third.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 12 at 2015 8:42 AM

2015-05-12T08:42:09-04:00

Response by Capt John Cable made May 12 at 2015 9:11 AM

2015-05-12T09:11:06-04:00

The real answer is it depends. If you are talking about just pure destruction, you have to go with the SSBN. However, simce we have executed that mission exactly ZERO times ever, I'm going to propose the more realistic answer to be the LHA/LHD. Your big deck Amphibious Assault Ship carries enough (2000ish) Marines and all of the associated support ranging from artillery, Ch-53's to left same and/or Marines, a full squadron of CH-46's for troop transport, 4 UH-1 Huey's for Command and Control (Huey Pilots would argue gunship, but seriously..lol), 4 AH-1's for Close air support, and 4 AV-8 Harriers also for close air support. I realize the loadouts sometimes differ, but that's the gist of it. That's the ONLY ship in the Navy and pretty much the whole planet that can realistically, do some significant damage, and more importantly take and hold a piece of real estate. So, since "lethal"in the original question wasn't specific, the big deck amphib gets my vote. I will share one disclaimer. As a Cobra pilot no longer on active duty, there is the slightest (I'm talking really slight) chance I could be baised. Semper Fi!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 12 at 2015 9:20 AM

2015-05-12T09:20:11-04:00

Well Chaplin, not in the Navy but would have to say the Aircraft Carrier. Reason being 84 ( or how ever many I don't know) F-18's, with all the ordinance that they carry holy crap Batman!

Response by SSG John Erny made May 12 at 2015 1:35 PM

2015-05-12T13:35:24-04:00

The new rail gun and lasers have to be in the running some where, they are nasty tools for nasty enemies. I know they are not a vessel but they will soon be on them.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 12 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-05-12T13:37:15-04:00

The rail gun from Transformers.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made May 12 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-05-12T14:12:07-04:00

Boomers.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 13 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-05-13T12:15:49-04:00

DGD 1000

Response by PO2 Alfredo Pacheco made May 13 at 2015 12:16 PM

2015-05-13T12:16:39-04:00

I would say

1) SSBN
2) CVN
3) CG
4) DDG

Response by PO1 Joseph Frazier made May 13 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-05-13T12:56:27-04:00

I want to say the cruiser and destroyers since that's what I served aboard. But to be honest, it has to be the "silent" Navy. Our subs are tough to find and track.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made May 13 at 2015 12:57 PM

2015-05-13T12:57:58-04:00

I don't think it can be narrowed down to one single vessel. More appropriately would be the Carrier Battle Group. Several ships including a submarine make up a multi directional strike force and can be most anywhere in the world to launch strikes or fly support missions for other services. Rain, shine, high winds and heavy seas don't make a difference. Within a few days a carrier battle group can be anywhere and ready to join the fight or get it started.
We can stay at sea indefinitely due to underway replenishments for receiving food, ammo and parts, even additional personnel.

Response by PO1 Jose Roman made May 13 at 2015 1:14 PM

2015-05-13T13:14:33-04:00

SSGN packs a lot of extra punch besides the tomahawk armament, enough berthing for a SOTF, dry dock for an ADS and lockout chambers to put them on the beach.

Response by CAPT Hiram Patterson made May 13 at 2015 1:22 PM

2015-05-13T13:22:01-04:00

The Ohio Class Submarine. 24 Trident D-5 missiles with up to 12 MIRV (multiple independent reentry vehicle) warheads having a maximum yield of 475 KT gives you 136.8 megatons. Surface ships no longer have nuclear weapons aboard and carrier aircraft are not nuclear certified.

Response by CAPT Hiram Patterson made May 13 at 2015 1:25 PM

2015-05-13T13:25:49-04:00

The Ohio Class submarine. 24 Trident D-5 missiles with up to 12 MIRV (multiple independent re-entry vehicle) warheads with a maximum yield of 375 KT giving you 136.8 megatons. Ships no longer carry nuclear weapons and carrier aircraft are not certified to deliver nuclear bombs.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made May 13 at 2015 1:30 PM

2015-05-13T13:30:18-04:00

Single most LETHAL? Although I am a surface Sailor, I am also a realist. Ohio Class SSBN carries the most lethal load of weapons ever put on ANY single weapon ever. That is just a fact and undeniable. Once the tubes are empty, however, it is done and the mission is LOST. Our SSBN Mission is deterrent, pure and simple.

Next, most people would say the Aircraft Carrier followed by the AEGIS Cruiser. Both very logical choices and very true in many areas of the world, but this is a new world and a new war. I am traditional and really have a hard time getting out of the box, BUT today we have enemies who are not just in one area or easily found.

NAVY fights in the area of the SEAS, not far inland. Our newest ships are designed for the LITTORALS, the areas near the shores. While not as lethal in overall firepower, this is a ship designed for multiple -missions from maritime security operations, including drug interdiction and anti-piracy, to helicopter support in search and rescue. BUT, there may be even better options over the horizon.

Read it all if you start! it is a page turner! AND yes, out of the BOX!

Dear US Navy: The Futuristic X3K Is What Littoral Combat Ships Should Be

The last decade has seen some pretty awesome looking warships hit waters around the globe. On the "blue water" side of things the Star Wars looking Zumwalt Class and the minimalist art-like Lafayette Class were clearly designed with stealth in mind. Yet the "brown water" is where the most exotic vessels roam, and this is precisely where the X3K was born to fight. Unmasking The Columbia River's Mysterious Stealth Boats...

Response by CPO William E. Mahoney made May 13 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-05-13T13:36:25-04:00

Aircraft Carrier bring a lot of firepower to the fight

Response by PO2 John Tobias made May 13 at 2015 1:43 PM

2015-05-13T13:43:26-04:00

The operative word in the question is, of course, "lethal"...And, while I would, as part of the Naval Air component, ike to say Aircraft Carriers fit the billot, there cannot be any argument that submarines are the most-lethal weapos we have. NOTHING screws up one's day quite like a "nuke", eh? I'll say! J~

Response by MIDN LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-05-13T13:48:41-04:00

Breathless SSBN!

Response by CPO William Zaczek made May 13 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-05-13T13:57:23-04:00

Lethal and little can be done to keep it from completing its mission

Response by MCPO Douglas Pennington made May 13 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-05-13T14:22:01-04:00

In my opinion which is a bit slanted its the Carrier. 80,000 + tons of whop ass. 4.5 acres of Soverign land that can be anywhere in a few days. With near 100 aircraft onboard in can launch fighter attack aircraft every 30 seconds fully loaded for bear.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made May 13 at 2015 2:24 PM

2015-05-13T14:24:01-04:00

Lethality always needs a context. Lethal to whom: other shipping, troops on the ground, aircraft, entire cities, what?

Response by SCPO Ken Badoian made May 13 at 2015 3:06 PM

2015-05-13T15:06:07-04:00

Love to say a surface ship but Ohio class SSBN's - 24 missiles with minimum 10 X megaton warheads per missile. A BIG bang for the buck. MMCS(SW)(SS) USN Ret.

Response by CPO Mike Anderson made May 13 at 2015 3:09 PM

2015-05-13T15:09:35-04:00

The Carrier Battle Group is a combination of lethal weapons, the most lethal ship in my book is still the carrier and it's escorts. Indivdually, the Sub is pretty lethal, but limited in all it can do.

Response by CPO Michael Callegri made May 13 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-05-13T15:36:57-04:00

I know everyone is saying the SSBN. I have been on a cruiser and a Carrier and I would personally have to say the Carrier. I understand the Submarine being able to blow up a small country and the fact that no one really knows where they are, but in reality, when things heat up, what do they send to the area? A Carrier, mostly with all it's capabilities and being able to launch a multitude of aircraft in a very short period of time makes it quite lethal. If the U.S. wants to pull out a can of "Get Right," they send the Carrier.

Response by PO2 David Gustafson made May 13 at 2015 3:46 PM

2015-05-13T15:46:04-04:00

Whatever warship is in immediate reach of the objective. A destroyer, sub or carrier out of range is useless in eliminating the target.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:46 PM

2015-05-13T15:46:17-04:00

Submarines, Navy policy sets the submarine program higher then any other surface ship and aviation program out there. The ability to strike with nuclear weapons inside any nations shores is almost impossible to defend against. Other forms of nuclear warfare can be intercepted or defended against with varying degrees of success, but the nuclear submarine being able to strike anywhere from the world can`t be defended against.

Response by PO2 Reed Armond made May 13 at 2015 4:00 PM

2015-05-13T16:00:21-04:00

SSBN'S first and then the CVN's !!

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 13 at 2015 5:14 PM

2015-05-13T17:14:48-04:00

Bringing the hurt

Response by PO1 James Friedman made May 13 at 2015 5:19 PM

2015-05-13T17:19:23-04:00

The Aircraft Carriers

Response by SCPO Larry Knight Sr. made May 13 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-05-13T17:40:23-04:00

As much as it pains me to admit, it's the Ohio class SSBN. I'm partial to the CGN newer as well as the older class like the USS Long beach.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made May 13 at 2015 5:51 PM

2015-05-13T17:51:54-04:00

The mess hall. *_*

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made May 13 at 2015 5:55 PM

2015-05-13T17:55:15-04:00

Okay okay. I was on boomers when I saw a report that listed all combat units and how long they would survive in an all out nuke war. Boomers were towards the bottom of the list. Once that first missile is launched you are targeted with a return missile. The #1 for survivability, remember this includes the entire military, was the fast attack submarine. Listed as "indefinite" it would all depend on the crew.

So in my mind it is the attack submarine. All the weaponry and capabilities make it the deadliest weapon in our arsenal.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 13 at 2015 5:58 PM

2015-05-13T17:58:09-04:00

The Flying Dutchman. Where you become the ship. Unsinkable.

Response by PO2 Terry Meadows made May 13 at 2015 6:04 PM

2015-05-13T18:04:41-04:00

DDG!

Response by PO1 Allen Y. made May 13 at 2015 6:15 PM

2015-05-13T18:15:01-04:00

SSBN's and SSGN's as a far second. Their payload far exceeds any other vehicle that has ever been created in the US. They can destroy entire countries and small continents and you will never seem them coming. The true meaning of meaning of silent, but deadly. SSGN's have insane capabilities as well...154 of them.

Response by PO2 Johnathan Kerns made May 13 at 2015 6:31 PM

2015-05-13T18:31:35-04:00

I'd say SSBN

Response by PO3 Mike Beachem made May 13 at 2015 8:57 PM

2015-05-13T20:57:14-04:00

Submarine

Response by PO3 Isaac Bilano made May 13 at 2015 10:00 PM

2015-05-13T22:00:32-04:00

Undoubtedly, an SSBN with a couple of dozen of Trident D-5 missiles. Civilization would be over if they ever have to be used.

Response by PO1 Gregg Mundy made May 13 at 2015 10:59 PM

2015-05-13T22:59:54-04:00

As far as I know (my knowledge is limited) The submarine.

Response by PO2 Regina Russell made May 13 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-05-13T23:17:34-04:00

Aircraft carrier of course

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 13 at 2015 11:18 PM

2015-05-13T23:18:20-04:00

The most lethal vessel in the U.S. Navy is a vessel with U.S. Navy Seals aboard. This thread is now complete. No other answers are needed.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 13 at 2015 11:20 PM

2015-05-13T23:20:45-04:00

Which one has the most Marines on it? Whichever one that is is the most lethal. And this from an Army veteran. Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS & GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad , can you help me out here?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 11:29 PM

2015-05-13T23:29:17-04:00

Lethal is the wrong question. The right question is what is the most effective ship in the Navy arsenal? Minesweepers are not lethal in the slightest, but their effectiveness at keeping the straight of Hormuz clear for shipping absolutely vital. Unlike the LCS, which is poised to be the worst example of mission creep and ineffective congressional bloat ever...

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 11:36 PM

2015-05-13T23:36:07-04:00

i say marines on a ship pissed off like the 31st menu.lol

Response by PO1 Kevin Goldston made May 14 at 2015 12:19 AM

2015-05-14T00:19:31-04:00

There is only two vessels in the world, submarines and targets.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 1:30 AM

2015-05-14T01:30:36-04:00

Most lethal is the SSBN. The most useful is the CVN.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made May 14 at 2015 6:52 AM

2015-05-14T06:52:06-04:00

Hands down it would be the TRIDENT class SSBN. 24 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles armed with multiple nuclear warheads makes for one outstanding weapons platform.

Response by PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith made May 14 at 2015 8:36 AM

2015-05-14T08:36:59-04:00

That depends on the mission really. For ship to ship combat, I would say either the Arleigh Burke DDG, or the Virginia Class SSN. If you're talking about the ability to do damage inland and project power over the horizon, then you're talking a Carrier or an Ohio Class SSBN. With 14 SSBNs in the fleet (4 were converted to SSGNs) each carrying 24 Trident Missiles, which in turn are each carrying between 8 and 12 MIRVs (depending on the Trident I, or Trident II), The Ohio Class fleet can pretty much end the world all by itself.

Response by PO2 Brian Appel made May 14 at 2015 8:48 AM

2015-05-14T08:48:52-04:00

The American sailor is the most leathal weapon in the American Navy everything else is just a tool

Response by LTC Mo Vanderslice made May 14 at 2015 9:18 AM

2015-05-14T09:18:38-04:00

I was Army, so only a spectator here...most powerful single ship is the SSBN, but its role is very limited. Most powerful and versatile weapon in the fleet is the carrier battle group.

Response by PO2 Marco Acosta made May 14 at 2015 10:09 AM

2015-05-14T10:09:47-04:00

I'd say the LHD is for its air to ground capabilities, launches l-cacs that travel on water and land carrying marines and luanches aircrafts from its flight deck also has a crew of about 1500

Response by PO2 Gerry Tandberg made May 14 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-05-14T11:29:56-04:00

IMHO, our Submarines followed by the Carrier Air Group. Together they are a formidable force with two different missions.

Response by SCPO Al Bott made May 14 at 2015 12:10 PM

2015-05-14T12:10:03-04:00

Well it used to be the Navy YTB. YES the YTB because NOTHING else could leave the pier without one. The next most lethal piece of arsenal.. hmmm .. The SCUTTLEBUTT. In my humble opinion.

R/ Al

Response by PO2 John Russell made May 14 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-05-14T13:54:30-04:00

I would say SEA WOLF with tomahawk cruise missles and perhaps nuclear tipped torpedoes. Fast super quiet and armed with most lethal hunter seeking Sonar systems on Earth ?

Response by PO1 Tom-Genie Hurst-Andrews made May 14 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-05-14T16:33:27-04:00

Put 22 years Navy and most of it was 4 fast boats and 4 boomers. I say the TRIDENTS considering what it carries and it's capability's

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 14 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-05-14T16:46:44-04:00

The SSBN (Nuclear Ballistic Missile sub) carries the most destructive payload of any fighting vessel I'm aware of.

I read in a Tom Clancy novel that the boomers' motto is "We hide with pride," but the rest of the US Navy calls them the chicken of the sea...

Response by PO1 Todd B. made May 14 at 2015 5:00 PM

2015-05-14T17:00:08-04:00

There are two ways to answer this.. Naval engagement or land engagement...

If it is Naval Engagement ship to ship, I think the Burke or Tico class because they can also defend themselves (although I think a Virginia Class sub is a close second) where a Carrier is mainly offensive. Carriers have no real defensive systems especially against subs.

Subs have limited armament. The Burke and Tico's have a myriad of weapon systems to deal with most threats plus speed, agility and the offense AND defense punch to put down most threats.

If you are talking land based engagement, then carriers because they not only have the same punch as a sub, they can also reload and do it again... including city killer type weapons that SSBN's carry..

Subs have firepower for sure but they are one shot and done... to me that limits their capability.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 7:09 PM

2015-05-14T19:09:22-04:00

Battleship!

Response by PO3 Kevin Stephen made May 15 at 2015 8:20 AM

2015-05-15T08:20:07-04:00

It would be the Sub I suppose.

Response by PO3 Jim Sells made May 15 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-05-15T09:38:27-04:00

Being an ex submarine sailor I believe the SSBN is the most lethal. We had the power to decimate entire countries and they would never see it coming!!!

Response by CPO Dale Smith made May 15 at 2015 3:57 PM

2015-05-15T15:57:53-04:00

One Sailor or Marine with a radio, field glasses and a compos.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 4:39 PM

2015-05-15T16:39:13-04:00

This makes me wish I'd joined the Navy.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made May 15 at 2015 4:39 PM

2015-05-15T16:39:28-04:00

A MCPO without Coffee

Response by PO1 Bill Daugherty made May 15 at 2015 4:55 PM

2015-05-15T16:55:50-04:00

As a retired sub sailor I would say by far the fleet ballistic submarine closely followed by the fats attack!

Response by CPO Jim Cook made May 16 at 2015 2:55 AM

2015-05-16T02:55:09-04:00

FBM Submarine

Response by CPO Johnny Wesley made May 16 at 2015 9:01 AM

2015-05-16T09:01:02-04:00

Any naval vessel that carries Subrocs.......

Response by SN Greg Wright made May 16 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-05-16T10:34:13-04:00

I don't think there's any question here. In terms of pure potential kinetic energy deliverable, an SSBN with it's 72 - 288 independently-targeted warheads (on 24 Trident missiles -- each capable of 3-12 warheads), there can be no argument. If you restrict your options to non-nukes, well, the carrier is the frontrunner, I suppose. However, if you restrict it further to a SINGLE platform...I'd have to say the new Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001)

Response by PO3 Michael Lewis made May 17 at 2015 9:40 AM

2015-05-17T09:40:49-04:00

Carrier it has about 80 aircraft ready to launch with multiple rockets at any given moment and the see wiz along with some 50 cal guns or actually I'd say it's hard to choose because we all kinda go out as a group we are never alone and usally surrounded by other beast that anyone wanting attack would have to get through first then by that time we have aircraft in air ready to attack

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-05-17T18:00:30-04:00

I take this to mean possessing most effective and destructive armament of afloat weapons systems (discounting nuclear). First, I'm qualifying the answer as applying the lethality to a contemporary enemy's forces/arsenal/facilities. I'm defining lethaility as the ship's weapons systems delivery death and destruction. I'm also not including factors of vulnerability (which will only support my opinion further) or international politics. So I have to go with:

1-LHx
2-LxD
3-CVN
4-DDG
5-SSGN
6-VA SSN

and so on...

Even though the carrier traditionally has the most conventional firepower, at best it can provide on the order of two hundred or so rounds of heavy ordnance a day for the enemy's consumption. Throwing some math at this, that's makes for a sustainable rate of about a 100 pounds of BOOM a minute. Also, this is all fixed-wing air coordinated since a carrier doesn't have any organic form of CAS/ground controller capabilities and our rotary wings aren't very functional in this capacity. Without CAS control, we're basically making educated guesses on where to put things. That makes CVNs rather limp against a military that doesn't follow the laws of war such as Vietnam, Preying Mantis, Gulf I, Gulf II, Balkans (all), and our various 'stan campaigns where irregular warfare is the M.O. (human shields, guerrilla/insurgent forces). Overall this makes the carrier great at facility destruction (actually the best), but it doesn't get the job done in terms of force and arsenal prosecution.

The LHD's primary weapons system, which is the only Joint weapons system in the US arsenal, can coordinate a dozen heavy barrels at a sustained rate of 2,000 pounds of boom a minute. Throw in a few weapons companies, over a hundred CAS trained troops (somewhere between experienced Ssgts to full-on JTACs) running birds overhead and a battalion of lead absorption units and you have a scalable application of force many times that of a CVN in terms of volume and accuracy.

The ~1800 embarked Marines (a MEU-minus) of an LHx have much greater mission endurance and presence once the party has started. Air delivered warheads on ISIS foreheads doesn't seem to be approaching a conclusion anytime soon since the current belligerents require the complete 1) surrender or 2) destruction of the other. Number One isn't happening on either side so that leaves Number Two. Tomahawks, JDAMs, bunker busters, iron dumb bombs, even Daisy Cutters aren't going to break the will of our oh-so honorable foes. For an enemy company sized or greater, an air campaign has poor chances of affecting annihilation (Number Two). More likely (as proven for the last two decades) an air campaign only weakens and disperses the enemy enabling them to evolve their tactics in a Darwin-istic manner.

It takes Joint Forces to approach any real certainty and for now the only ground contributors are non-US forces. I'm not advocating ground troops (probably won't either) but the question stands: What ship is the most lethal? A big deck gator is the only single afloat platform with the ability to accomplish Number Two. The LH's can also apply no small amount of air power themselves which is why the L-docks are a step down but still above the rest of the fleet. When the AV-8s are relieved by the F-35 they be even more potent. Imagine when they up-gun the MV-22s and put them on the L-docks, whoa!

Response by PO2 Christopher Taggart made Aug 7 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-08-07T10:24:52-04:00

REALLY want the truth and many of you would never consider these because far,, far away from the OCEAN but without them these are just huge paperweights and tons of grease, fuel, and explosives...and trust me these are the first things that will be taken out by the enemy in WW3- bar none. Satelites in orbit

Response by PO1 Mike Edgecomb made Aug 7 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-08-07T11:54:23-04:00

The American Sailor is the most lethal vessel!

Response by PO2 Alfonso Maury made Aug 7 at 2015 12:10 PM

2015-08-07T12:10:02-04:00

A mike boat full of engineers coming off cinderella liberty in naples

Response by PO2 Kevin Peine made Aug 7 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-08-07T12:51:28-04:00

As an aviation sailor it burns my back side to say this but a boomer(ballistic missile submarine) one of those loaded with nukes has the ability to reduce a country to glass

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-08-07T13:12:12-04:00

Submarine all the way. Fast, silent, deep and deadly.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Aug 7 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-08-07T13:17:04-04:00

Those Trident missile on a SSBN has a 2000+ miles range and capable of carrier a nuclear warhead, it can blow up Washington DC from LA.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Aug 7 at 2015 3:01 PM

2015-08-07T15:01:09-04:00

Each craft has its own job that it does extremely well. Together, as one fighting force, they are virtually unstoppable.
Woah to they who wants to start a fight.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Aug 7 at 2015 3:20 PM

2015-08-07T15:20:48-04:00

Here it is. Baddest ship on the high seas.

Response by PO1 Matthew Murdock made Aug 7 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-08-07T15:21:32-04:00

The SOC-R!!!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 12:18 AM

2015-08-08T00:18:45-04:00

Hands down in today's environment it is the Carrier

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 11:09 PM

2015-08-08T23:09:33-04:00

Carrier... Its ability to transport and deploy multiple weapons systems is unparalleled.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-08-09T17:08:09-04:00

Lethal how?
The nuclear subs are still best, so far.

Response by PO1 Jason Taylor made Aug 9 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-08-09T17:13:13-04:00

SSBN

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made Aug 11 at 2015 4:07 PM

2015-08-11T16:07:19-04:00

A Trident Class submarine. 24 missiles with multiple MIRV warheads. A single vessel contains more firepower than the entire world has seen in 10,000 years combined. This was built to be the game changer.

Response by MCPO Tom Miller made Aug 11 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-08-11T16:20:47-04:00

With today's technology all surface craft without superiority intercept capabilities are vulnerable to attack. The advanced technology would all aspects of battle. With the days small military we must be much stronger technically in order to beat any challenges our Navy today is overstressed and the same size we were in 1915. The other on services are too below prior war war 2 defensive posture. Your Air force was established in 1947 and today even that is considerably smaller. We're too small at this time today under the Constitution's top priority to protect safty and defend our nation. A small armed forces means less strength in numbers as well as armormen's as well as training capabilities for reliable replacements. Now we can't even maintain a carrier strike force to offset Iran's movements and requested that the French cover for us with their carrier. Once we can't control sea lanes a major source of logistics supply, we are again vulnerable to losses both at sea and land forces. Yes, at this time a carrier strike force is an asset, but with an 11 carrier inventory isn't capable to respond quickly enough. Our next conflict won't give us the time we had before WWII. With shipbuilding able to turn out ships and tanks like an assembly line production or years to train and increase our military. We will have to fight with our present capabilities and hope for the best. It just may be on our shores with allies also weak in their defense postures too.

Response by PO1 David Mayeres made Aug 12 at 2015 4:36 AM

2015-08-12T04:36:48-04:00

Being on the old Spruance Class Destroyers, I want to say them because we could take out all the other ships and submarines and still have plenty of firepower to level the whole coast of California. However, after doing plenty of plane guard duty next to numerous Aircraft Carriers, I have to concede to their power. I also thought we were the fastest ships in the fleet because we had 4 LM 2500 gas turbine engines as well till I saw the USS Constellation CV-64 pass us by in a long haul race as if we were a snail. And to think, she was powered with conventional steam powered boiler engines to make it worse on us. I tip my hat off to her.

Response by PO1 Russell Henson made Aug 12 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-08-12T10:31:07-04:00

Submarine

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 1:02 PM

2015-08-13T13:02:05-04:00

I'm partial, but any amphibious class, LPD, LHA, etc. Destroyers are perimeter defense with impressive, but limited strike capability...carriers really should be classified "mobile installations"...subs are elite in their own right without comparison...but only the "Gators" take Marines to the fight and keep them there ;)

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 13 at 2015 1:25 PM

2015-08-13T13:25:01-04:00

Carrier.

Response by PO1 Scott Cottrell made Aug 13 at 2015 6:50 PM

2015-08-13T18:50:25-04:00

A carrier battle group, has more fire power than a lot of countries whole military. But that would include a Carrier, a Cruiser, a few Destroyers, and at least one Attack Sub in the fire power. For a ground campaign, An Amphibious Read Group is a lot of fire power too, 4 plus thousand Marines, and aircraft from an LHD/LHA, and after I left the Amphib Navy I understand they normally have a DDG in the ARG now.

Response by PO3 Terry Henry made Aug 14 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-08-14T00:23:41-04:00

LCS is probably the deadliest in my opinion. Crazy fast, heavily armed, almost zero radar cross section. I could be biased though. I helped build LCS 4 in Mobile AL.

Response by PO2 Kenny Zimmerman made Aug 14 at 2015 11:57 PM

2015-08-14T23:57:41-04:00

Teamwork is my answer...why bring one bee...when we can stir up the hornets nest all at once ...triple carrier ops was I would say the most impressive thing pops in my mind that I seen...and imagine a battleship embedded

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 16 at 2015 2:34 AM

2015-08-16T02:34:32-04:00

The Converted Ohio Class with both ICBMs, Tomahawks and Torpedoes. One of those bad boys is capable to raining down a lot of death via several means.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Aug 31 at 2015 4:30 AM

2015-08-31T04:30:58-04:00

Great question. It used to be an Aegis Destroyer. I'm not sure now.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2017 5:35 PM

2017-12-22T17:35:18-05:00

That carrier