Navy’s top officer lays out aggressive new cruiser replacement approach

Engine changeout at sea? My CHENG hat off to you, that is impressive! The power issue, as I understand it, is not for radars exactly. It is for weapons systems. It takes a lot of power for the lasers and rail guns that are the future. We had upgraded GTG's years ago as a move towards this, and they were light years ahead of what we had before. That being said, they need a LOOOOOTTTTT of power, which I don't think we can successfully and sustainably produce.

With all the technology in this era of all encompassing, you'd think that those brain powers could develop a means in preventing a lack of power. I thought that's why they make the big buck's. I see it as more of a technology compromise by the (chinese) etc. I recall back when Moby dick was a minnow, loose lips sink ship's even in the developmental stages of prior construction. My only real concern is with a stable platform for our currently serving bluejackets. Additionally the sea worthiness per design, and ability in all sea states survivability. It was proven with the USS Midway , that adding the sort of pontoons on the port and starboard hull did in fact nothing to add too the stability and bouncy. Their thought ie: ADM and Capt umptiscratch they figured that this would allow the loading of a larger air wing.I guess they didn't complete that phase of their training at Annapolis . So back to the conference room for further details on and deliberations on how to move forward with this dilemma. Especially when we cant wait for a decade to slip by.

LT Brad Mcinnis
That change out is a direct reflection of sound leadership both on the deck plates, to the wardroom and most impressively the bluejackets experience levels and dedication to their respective rstings.I tip my cover to you as well, and look forward to more interaction on Rally Point..

LT Brad McInnis - I agree there should be a test bed, use a old Spruance Hull since it is similar to the Tyco. Just the engineering plant, pull the shafts and screws, replace with pods and bow thrusters. The combat systems are already being proven on the Flight III Burke and Zumwalt. This ship needs to be owned by URL who would just contract the shipbuilder to install the new systems. Simple bridge and navigation radar etc... is all that you would need.

LCDR (Join to see) - Not to go too out of the box, but does a CG doing staff ops really need all the bells and whistles? How often are they actually operating by themselves without DDG's hanging around. I am not saying they don't need defense and offense weapons, but do they need the high end stuff? Isn't the most important part of a CG's job command and control? I don't know, I have only had 2 cups of coffee this am and am not firing on all cylinders yet!

LT Brad McInnis - Ok we will give you a chance to get "Coffeed up"

LT Brad McInnis - But as you get up to speed I will give you some food for thought. I would say yes, the Tyco was the front line most capable ship of its time. I would argue the replacement would need everything. It needs to be a missile barge, the DDG was a compromise and does not have the compliment of the Tyco. I needs to be Flag capable with all the bells and whistles to operate independently, support amphibs, netcentric, rail gun when it comes online, etc.... You do not want to cut any corners the new cruiser would have to be a lot of things to a lot of people.