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  • The U.S. Navy has a balanced fleet, but it wants to grow bigger and better. Will the budget allow both?

     
    Maritime Reporter's March 2017 cover story on the U.S. Navy was all about the numbers. There exists several plans to grow the fleet beyond the current number of 308 ships, the Mitre recommendation of 414 ships, the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessment 340-ship proposal, and the Navy’s decision to grow the fleet to 355 ships, and the Trump administration’s 350.
     
    With so many numbers being bandied about, there are even more suggestions on how to get there. The decision to expand the number of ships is based on sound analysis, and most of the suggested numbers are the result of a thoughtful examination of the requirement and the reasonable pathways to achieving growth.
     
    According to a report to Congress by the Congressional Research Service, the figure of 355 ships appears close to an objective of building toward a fleet of 350 ships that was announced by the Trump campaign organization during the 2016 presidential election campaign. “The 355-ship goal, however, reflects the national security strategy and national military strategy that were in place in 2016 (i.e., the Obama Administration’s national security strategy and national military strategy).”
     
    But no matter how you slice it and dice it, there’s a huge cost. 
     
    And those who want to point to instantaneous gratification, and see an immediate growth in fleet size, will not find it in this most recent budget submission to the Congress.
     
    The current Presidential Budget delivered to Capitol Hill does call for an increase in defense spending. This year’s budget submission is about readiness, not new construction.
     
    The non-partisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) estimates that “procuring the 57 to 67 ships that would need to be added to the Navy’s FY2017 30-year shipbuilding plan to achieve the Navy’s 355-ship fleet and maintain it through FY2046 would notionally cost an average of roughly $4.6 billion to $5.1 billion per year in additional shipbuilding funds over the 30-year period, using today’s shipbuilding costs.”
     
    There are also time and industrial capacity constraints to achieving the 355-ship objective. “Even with increased shipbuilding rates, achieving certain parts of the 355-ship force-level goal could take many years,” CRS reports. “For example, the 355-ship force-level goal includes a goal of 12 aircraft carriers. Increasing aircraft carrier procurement from the current rate of one ship every five years to one ship every three years would achieve a 12-carrier force on a sustained basis by about 2030. As another example, the 355-ship force level includes a goal of 66 attack submarines. Increasing attack submarine procurement to a rate of three attack submarines (or two attack submarines and one ballistic missile submarine) per year could achieve a 65-boat SSN force by the late 2030s. CBO estimates that the earliest the Navy could achieve the 355-ship fleet would be 2035.”
     
    That means manning and tooling up the nation’s shipbuilders and suppliers.
     
    “Ramping up to higher rates of shipbuilding would require additional tooling and equipment at some shipyards and some supplier firms. Additional production and supervisory workers would need to be hired and trained at shipyards and supplier firms. Depending on their specialties, newly hired workers could be initially less productive per unit of time worked than more experienced workers. Given the time needed to increase tooling and hire and train new workers, some amount of time would be needed to ramp up to higher shipbuilding rates—production could not jump to higher rates overnight,” the CRS report said. “Some parts of the shipbuilding industrial base could face more challenges than others in ramping up to the higher production rates required to build the various parts of the 355-ship fleet.”
     
    CRS cited a non-partisan Congressional Budget Office Costs of Building a 355-Ship Navy report, which it submitted to Congress in April 2017. 
     
    “All seven shipyards would need to increase their workforces and several would need to make improvements to their infrastructure in order to build ships at a faster rate. However, certain sectors face greater obstacles in constructing ships at faster rates than others: Building more submarines to meet the goals of the 2016 force structure assessment would pose the greatest challenge to the shipbuilding industry. Increasing the number of aircraft carriers and surface combatants would pose a small to moderate challenge to builders of those vessels. Finally, building more amphibious ships and combat logistics and support ships would be the least problematic for the shipyards. The workforces across those yards would need to increase by about 40 percent over the next 5 to 10 years. Managing the growth and training of those new workforces while maintaining the current standard of quality and efficiency would represent the most significant industrywide challenge. In addition, industry and Navy sources indicate that as much as $4 billion would need to be invested in the physical infrastructure of the shipyards to achieve the higher production rates required under the [notional] 15-year and 20-year [buildup scenarios examined by CBO]. Less investment would be needed for the [notional] 25-year or 30-year [buildup scenarios examined by CBO].”
     
    But the obstacles are not insurmountable, and frankly the kind of problem that the Navy and industry wants to solve.
     
    The Navy currently has “hot production lines. “Our facilities are in pretty good shape,” said then Assistant Secretary of the Navy (now the acting secretary) Sean Stackley at the Surface Navy Association’s annual symposium. “Industry’s going to have to go out and procure special tooling associated with going from current production rates to a higher rate, but I would say that’s easily done,” he said. 
     
    “My sense is that the industrial base will size to the demand signal,” said Rear Adm. William Gallinis, the program executive officer for ships at the SNA symposium. “We just need to be mindful of how we transition to that increased demand signal,” he said. 
     
    Also speaking at the SNA event, Adm. William Moran, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations said the priority is readiness. Before inauguration, Moran said the Trump transition team inquired about what the Navy could do with more money right away. “The answer was not, ‘Buy more ships.’ The answer was, ‘Make sure that the 274 that we had were maintained and modernized to provide 274 ships’ worth of combat time.’ Then, we’ll start buying more ships,” he said.
     
    Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson said the nation needs a more powerful Navy, on the order of 350 ships, that includes a combination of manned and unmanned systems. “More platforms are necessary but not sufficient. The Navy must also incorporate new technologies and new operational concepts.” 
     
     “As we increase our naval power, our focus cannot be on some distant goal decades in the future. The Navy must get to work now to both build more ships, and to think forward - innovate - as we go,” Richardson said. “To remain competitive, we must start today and we must improve faster.” 
     
    “I believe that strong naval forces - maritime forces - are uniquely suited to help manage the increasing pace and complexity of change, by virtue of the uniquely productive relationships that are possible, and by virtue of strong history and advocacy for behavior in accordance with a well understood and agreed-to set of rules,” said Richardson. “And navies can do this in a way that preserves the opportunity for growth, and yes, the opportunity for competition, but also in a way that avoids conflict and violence.” 
     
    The U.S. Navy operate as a balanced mix of aircraft carriers, expeditionary warfare platforms, combatants and auxiliaries. Here are some of the key Navy ship programs:
     
    Nimitz-class aircraft carriers
    The Nimitz-class supercarriers are a class of 10 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in service with the United States Navy. These ships are 1,092 feet long with a displacement of over 100,000 tons. The two A4W pressurized water reactors drive four propeller shafts for a maximum speed of over 30 knots. The reactors can operate for more than 20 years without refueling. All ten carriers were constructed by Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Virginia. USS Nimitz was commissioned on May 3, 1975, and the final ship in the class, USS George H.W. Bush, joined the fleet in 2009. The ship has a crew of about 5,500 including the airwing of about 90 aircraft.
    USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Bremerton, Washington
    USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Norfolk, VA
    USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), San Diego, CA
    USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), San Diego, CA
    USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Newport News, VA
    USS George Washington (CVN 73), Norfolk, VA
    USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Bremerton, WA
    USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Norfolk, VA
    USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Norfolk, VA
     
    Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers
    USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), first of a new class of aircraft carriers, will be commissioned this year. Two more are on the way. The fourth ship in the class, CVN-81, is scheduled for procurement in FY2023, with advance procurement (AP) funding scheduled to begin in FY2021. 
    USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Norfolk, Virginia (commissioning summer 2017)
     
    Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)
    The Ohio-class SSBN is an 18,600-ton, 560-foot nuclear submarine carrying 24 missile tubes for Trident C4 ballistic missiles, capable of conducting 100-day long submerged strategic deterrent patrols.
    USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730), Bangor, WA
    USS Alabama (SSBN 731), Bangor, WA
    USS Alaska (SSBN 732), Kings Bay, GA
    USS Nevada (SSBN 733), Bangor, WA
    USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), Kings Bay, GA
    USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735), Bangor, WA
    USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), Kings Bay, Ga.
    USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), Bangor, WA
    USS Maryland (SSBN 738), Norfolk, VA
    USS Nebraska (SSBN 739), Bangor, WA
    USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), Kings Bay, GA
    USS Maine (SSBN 741), Bangor, WA
    USS Wyoming (SSBN 742), Kings Bay, GA
    USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), Bangor, WA
     
    Ohio-class guided missile submarine (SSGN)
    Four of the Ohio-class SSBNs were converted to SSGNs to provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Armed with tactical missiles and equipped with superior communications capabilities, SSGNs are capable of directly supporting Combatant Commander's strike and Special Operation Forces (SOF) requirements. Each SSGN is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, which are loaded in seven-shot Multiple-All-Up-Round Canisters (MACs) in up to 22 missile tubes. The tubes are also able to accommodate future payloads such as new types of missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and unmanned undersea vehicles.
    USS Ohio (SSGN 726), Bangor, WA
    USS Michigan (SSGN 727), Bangor, WA
    USS Florida (SSGN 728), Kings Bay, GA
    USS Georgia (SSGN 729), Kings Bay, GA
     
    Virginia-class attack submarines
    Ten 10 Virginia-class attack submarines are being procured under a 2014-2018 multiyear procurement (MYP) contract. The next group of submarines will be built with an additional ship section called the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) that will substantially increase the boats’ weapon capacity. 
    USS Virginia (SSN 774), Groton, CT
    USS Texas (SSN 775), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Hawaii (SSN 776), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS North Carolina (SSN 777), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), Groton, CT
    USS New Mexico (SSN 779), Groton, CT
    USS Missouri (SSN 780), Groton, CT
    USS California (SSN 781), Groton, CT
    USS Mississippi (SSN 782), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Minnesota (SSN 783), Groton, CT
    USS North Dakota (SSN 784), Groton, CT
    USS John Warner (SSN 785), Norfolk, VA
    USS Illinois (SSN 786), Groton, CT
    Washington (SSN 787) - Keel laid Nov. 11, 2014
    Colorado (SSN 788) - Keel laid March 7, 2015
    Indiana (SSN 789) - Keel laid May 16, 2015
    South Dakota (SSN 790) - Keel laid April 4, 2016
    Delaware (SSN 791) - Keel laid April 30, 2016
    Vermont (SSN 792) - Construction began May 2014
    Oregon (SSN 793) - Construction began September 2014
    Montana (SSN 794) - Construction began April 2015
    Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) - Construction began September 2015
    New Jersey (SSN 796) - Construction began March 2016
    Iowa (SSN 797) - Construction began September 2016
    Massachusetts (SSN 798) - Construction began March 2017
    Idaho (SSN 799) - Under contract
    Arkansas (SSN 800) - Under contract
    Utah (SSN 801) - Under contract
     
    Seawolf Class attack submarines
    The Seawolf (SSN 21) class of stealthy nuclear-powered fast attack submarines was designed to succeed the Los Angeles class for Cold War missions. Although extremely capable, the end of the Cold War prompted the Navy to seek a less costly submarine, resulting in the Virginia-class.
    USS Seawolf (SSN 21), Bremerton, WA
    USS Connecticut (SSN 22), Bremerton, WA
    USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), Bangor, WA
     
    Los Angeles Class attack submarines
    USS Los Angeles (SSN 688) is the lead ship of a class of 60 nuclear-powered fast attack submarines (SSN), first of which entered service in service with the United States Navy 1976. 36 of the class are still in commission. The 362-foot long 688s displace nearly 7,000 tons submerged.
    USS Bremerton (SSN 698), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Jacksonville (SSN 699), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Dallas (SSN 700), Groton, CT
    USS San Francisco (SSN 711), San Diego, CA
    USS Buffalo (SSN 715), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Olympia (SSN 717), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Providence (SSN 719), Groton, CT
    USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720), Groton, CT
    USS Chicago (SSN 721), Guam
    USS Key West (SSN 722), Guam
    USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), Guam
    USS Louisville (SSN 724), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Helena> (SSN 725), Norfolk, Va.
    USS Newport News (SSN 750), Norfolk, VA
    USS San Juan (SSN 751), Groton, CT
    USS Pasadena (SSN 752), San Diego, CA
    USS Albany (SSN 753), Norfolk, VA
    USS Topeka (SSN 754), Guam
    USS Scranton (SSN 756), Norfolk, VA
    USS Alexandria (SSN 757), Portsmouth, NH
    USS Asheville (SSN 758), San Diego, CA
    USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Annapolis (SSN 760), Groton, CT
    USS Springfield (SSN 761), Groton, CT
    USS Columbus (SSN 762), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Santa Fe (SSN 763), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Boise (SSN 764), Norfolk, VA
    USS Montpelier (SSN 765), Norfolk, VA
    USS Charlotte (SSN 766), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Hampton (SSN 767), San Diego, CA
    USS Hartford (SSN 768), Groton, CT
    USS Toledo (SSN 769), Groton, CT
    USS Tucson (SSN 770), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Columbia (SSN 771), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Greeneville (SSN 772), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), Pearl Harbor, HI
     
    Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers (CGs)
    Ticonderoga (CG 47)-class guided-missile cruisers (CGs) are highly capable multimission warships with significant offensive and defensive warfighting capabilities for strike group or independent missions. These cruisers feature the Aegis Weapons System, centered on the SPY-1B/(B)V multi-function, phased-array radar. The first five CG 47s have been retired, with the remaining 22 ships receiving extensive upgrades. The 9,800-ton CGs have helicopters, guns, torpedoes, Close-In Weapon Systems, and can fire Standard, Tomahawk, Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles, and Anti-submarine Rockets. They are capable of ballistic missile defense.
    USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), San Diego, CA
    USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), San Diego, CA
    USS Antietam (CG 54), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), Norfolk, VA
    USS San Jacinto (CG 56), Norfolk, VA
    USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), San Diego, CA
    USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), Mayport, FL
    USS Princeton (CG 59), San Diego, CA
    USS Normandy (CG 60), Norfolk, VA
    USS Monterey (CG 61), Norfolk, VA
    USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS Cowpens (CG 63), San Diego, CA
    USS Gettysburg (CG 64), Norfolk, VA (TEMP)
    USS Chosin (CG 65), San Diego, CA
    USS Hue City (CG 66), Mayport, FL
    USS Shiloh (CG 67), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS Anzio (CG 68), Norfolk, VA
    USS Vicksburg (CG 69), Norfolk, VA (TEMP)
    USS Lake Erie (CG 70), San Diego, CA
    USS Cape St. George (CG 71), San Diego, CA
    USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), Norfolk, VA
    USS Port Royal (CG 73), Pearl Harbor, HI
     
    Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers (DDG)
    These 8,900-ton guided missile destroyers currently feature the Aegis Weapon Systems and the SPY-1D(V) multifunction phased-array radar. More than 60 are in service. Ten Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51) are currently being procured under a FY2013-FY2017 multiyear procurement (MYP) contract. The CGs have helicopters, guns, torpedoes, Close-In Weapon Systems, and can fire Standard, Tomahawk, Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles, and Anti-submarine Rockets. They are capable of ballistic missile defense. Beginning with DDG 123, the ships will built to the new Flight III version with the Raytheon SPY-6(V) Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR). 
    USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), Norfolk, VA
    USS Barry (DDG 52), Norfolk, VA
    USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), San Diego, CA
    USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS Stout (DDG 55), Norfolk, VA
    USS John S McCain (DDG 56), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS Mitscher (DDG 57), Norfolk, VA
    USS Laboon (DDG 58), Norfolk, VA
    USS Russell (DDG 59), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Ramage (DDG 61), Norfolk, VA
    USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS Stethem (DDG 63), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS Carney (DDG 64), Mayport, FL
    USS Benfold (DDG 65), San Diego, CA
    USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), Norfolk, VA
    USS Cole (DDG 67), Norfolk, VA
    USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), Mayport, FL
    USS Milius (DDG 69), San Diego, CA
    USS Hopper (DDG 70), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Ross (DDG 71), Norfolk, VA
    USS Mahan (DDG 72), Norfolk, VA
    USS Decatur (DDG 73), San Diego, CA
    USS McFaul (DDG 74), Norfolk, VA
    USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), Norfolk, VA
    USS Higgins (DDG 76), San Diego, CA
    USS O'kane (DDG 77), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Porter (DDG 78), Norfolk, VA
    USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), Norfolk, VA
    USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), Mayport, FL
    USS Winston S Churchill (DDG 81), Norfolk, VA
    USS Lassen (DDG 82), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS Howard (DDG 83), San Diego, CA
    USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), Norfolk, VA
    USS McCampbell (DDG 85), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS Shoup (DDG 86), Everett, WA
    USS Mason (DDG 87), Norfolk, VA
    USS Preble (DDG 88), San Diego, CA
    USS Mustin (DDG 89), Yokosuka, Japan
    USS Chafee (DDG 90), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Pinckney (DDG 91), San Diego, CA
    USS Momsen (DDG 92), Everett, WA
    USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), Pearl Harbor, HI
    USS Nitze (DDG 94), Norfolk, VA
    USS James E Williams (DDG 95), Norfolk, VA
    USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), Norfolk, VA
    USS Halsey (DDG 97), San Diego, CA
    USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), Norfolk, VA
    USS Farragut (DDG 99), Mayport, FL
    USS Kidd (DDG 100), San Diego, CA
    USS Gridley (DDG 101), San Diego, CA
    USS Sampson (DDG 102), San Diego, CA
    USS Truxtun (DDG 103), Norfolk, VA
    USS Sterett (DDG 104), San Diego, CA
    USS Dewey (DDG 105), No homeport
    USS Stockdale (DDG 106), San Diego, CA
    USS Gravely (DDG 107), Norfolk, VA
    USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108 ), San Diego, CA
    USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), Norfolk, VA
    USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), San Diego, CA
    USS Spruance (DDG 111), San Diego, CA
    USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), Pearl Harbor, HI
    PCU John Finn (DDG 113), Under construction
    PCU Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), Under construction
    PCU Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), Under construction
    PCU Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), Under construction
    PCU Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) - under construction
    PCU Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), Under construction
    PCU Delbert Black (DDG 119), Under construction
     
    Zumwalt (DDG 1000) —class guided missile destroyer
    DDG 1000 is a stealthy multi-mission combatant optimized for operations in the littoral. Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer. It has a long-range precision fires capability to support forces and to strike targets ashore. It features an integrated propulsion system that generates 78 MW of power, and has sophisticated survivability features. Despite being much larger that DDG 51, it has a much smaller crew.
    USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), San Diego, CA
    PCU Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), Under Construction
    PCU Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002), Under Construction
    Littoral combat ships and frigates
     
    Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)
    The Littoral Combat Ship is a fast focused-mission combatant designed to address the asymmetric threats in littoral waters on mines, quiet diesel submarines and swarms of fast armed boats. LCS is being built in two variants. The Freedom-class variant is a monohull, built in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Independence-class is a trimaran, built in Mobile, Ala. Both have core systems to fight and defend the ship, and are modular and can be configured with mission packages to address those three asymmetric threats. The crews rotate between their homeport and the forward deployed ships. The Navy has a requirement for 52 LCS.
     
    Freedom-class variant
    USS Freedom (LCS 1), San Diego, CA
    USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), San Diego, CA
    USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) - Mayport, FL
    USS Detroit (LCS 7) - Mayport, FL
    PCU Sioux City (LCS 11) - under construction
    PCU Wichita (LCS 13) - under construction
    PCU Billings (LCS 15) - under construction
    PCU Indianapolis (LCS 17) - under construction
    PCU St. Louis (LCS 19) - under construction
    PCU Minneapolis-St. Paul (LCS 21) - under construction
    PCU Cooperstown (LCS 23) - in pre-production phase
    USS Marinette (LCS 25) - in pre-production phase
    PCU Little Rock (LCS 9) - under construction
     
    Independence Variant
    USS Independence (LCS 2), San Diego, CA
    USS Coronado (LCS 4), Singapore
    USS Jackson (LCS 6) - San Diego, CA
    USS Montgomery (LCS 8), San Diego, CA
    PCU Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) - delivered, Mobile, AL
    PCU Omaha (LCS 12) - under construction
    PCU Manchester (LCS 14) - under construction
    PCU Tulsa (LCS 16) - under construction
    PCU Charleston (LCS 18) - under construction
    PCU Cincinnati (LCS 20) - under construction
    PCU Kansas City (LCS 22) - under construction
    PCU Oakland (LCS 24) - in pre-production phase
    PCU Mobile (LCS 26) - in pre-production phase
     
    Frigate (FF)
    The next-generation frigate (FF) is currently envisioned to be a modified multi-mission littoral combat ship (LCS) with enhanced lethality and survivability in support of surface warfare (SUW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. The FF will operate independently, as part of a strike group, and serve as an escort. Both the Freedom and Independence variant may be selected for the frigate, but the COMBATSS-21 (an Aegis Weapon System derivative) has been selected as the combat management system. The existing LCS training and maintenance infrastructure will be able to support the frigate program.
     
    LHD 1 Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and LHA 6 America-Class amphibious assault ship
    LHD and LHA amphibious assault ships are the centerpiece of U.S. expeditionary strike groups, carrying elements of a Marine landing force, and able to embark, deploy, and land combat-equipped Marines and aircraft, to include MV-22 Osprey, F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and rotary-winged aircraft for sustained periods. 
    USS Essex (LHD 2), San Diego, California
    USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Norfolk, Virginia
    USS Boxer (LHD 4), San Diego, California
    USS Bataan (LHD 5), Norfolk, Virginia
    USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), Sasebo, Japan
    USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Norfolk, Virginia
    USS Makin Island (LHD 8), San Diego, California
    USS America (LHA 6), San Diego, California
    PCU Tripoli (LHA 7), No homeport, under construction
     
    LPD 17 San Antonio-Class amphibious transport Dock (LPD)
    The San Antonio LPD is an amphibious transport supporting Marine Air/Ground Task Force (MAGTF) lift requirements. The 684-foot, 25,000-ton ship has a crew of 25,000 long tons, and a crew of about and can carry up to 700 Marines with their equipment. LPD 17 20,000 square feet of space for vehicles and 34,000 cubic feet for cargo. The well deck can launch and recover traditional assault craft and landing craft air cushion vehicles (LCACs). Aviation facilities include a hangar and flight deck for current and future fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. 
    USS San Antonio (LPD 17), Norfolk, Virginia
    USS New Orleans (LPD 18), San Diego, California
    USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Norfolk, Virginia
    USS Green Bay (LPD 20), San Diego, California
    USS New York (LPD 21), Norfolk, Virginia
    USS San Diego (LPD 22), San Diego, California
    USS Anchorage (LPD 23), San Diego, California
    USS Arlington (LPD 24), Norfolk, Virginia
    USS Somerset (LPD 25), San Diego, California
    PCU John P. Murtha (LPD 26), San Diego, California
    PCU Portland (LPD 27), Under construction - San Diego, California
    PCU Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) - Detail Design and Construction contract awarded Dec 19, 2016
     
    LSD 41 / 49 Whidbey Island / Harpers Ferry-Class amphibious dock landing ships
    Whidbey Island/Harpers Ferry dock landing ships support Marine expeditionary units and transport and launch amphibious assault vehicles and landing craft with their crews and embarked personnel. They can launch and recover LCACs and have aviation facilities for a variety of Navy and Marine Corps helicopters as well as the MV-22 Osprey. There 12 LSDs in the fleet (eight LSD 41-class and four LSD 49-class) are being provided a mid-life upgrade.
    USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), San Diego, CA
    USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), Little Creek, VA
    USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), Little Creek, VA
    USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), San Diego, CA
    USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), Little Creek, VA
    USS Germantown (LSD 42), Sasebo, Japan
    USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), Mayport, FL
    USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), Little Creek, VA
    USS Comstock (LSD 45), San Diego, CA
    USS Tortuga (LSD 46), Little Creek, VA
    USS Rushmore (LSD 47), San Diego, CA
    USS Ashland (LSD 48), Sasebo, Japan
     
    LX(R) Dock Landing Ship Replacement
    LX(R) is intended to replace the LSD 41 Whidbey Island and LSD 49 Harpers Ferry classes of dock landing ships when they reach their end of service life in 2025. The plan is for a cheaper, less capable ship built on the basic LPD 17 seaframe as the LSD replacement.
     
    PC 1 Cyclone-Class Patrol Coastal (PC)
    The Cyclone-class Patrol Coastal ships conduct theater security cooperation tasks (TSC), high-value unit escort, maritime security and infrastructure protection operations, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Ten PCs are forward deployed to the U.S. Fifth Fleet in the Arabian Gulf, based in Bahrain, and three are supporting the U.S. Fourth Fleet, homeported at Mayport, Florida. The Fifth Fleet ships have received new remotely-fired guns, Griffin missiles and Puma unmanned aircraft. 
    USS Hurricane (PC 3), Manama, Bahrain
    USS Typhoon (PC 5), Manama, Bahrain
    USS Sirocco (PC 6), Manama, Bahrain
    USS Squall (PC 7), Manama, Bahrain
    USS Chinook (PC 9), Manama, Bahrain
    USS Firebolt (PC 10), Manama, Bahrain
    USS Whirlwind (PC 11), Manama, Bahrain
    USS Thunderbolt (PC 12), Manama, Bahrain
    USS Shamal (PC 13), Mayport, FL
    USS Tornado (PC 14), Mayport, FL
    USS Tempest (PC 2), Manama, Bahrain
    USS Monsoon (PC 4), Manama, Bahrain
    USS Zephyr (PC 8), Mayport, FL
    Amphibious Command Ships (LCC) 
    Amphibious command ships (LCC) serve as flagships, and are the afloat headquarters for combatant commanders. They provide command, control, communications, information systems, and intelligence to the commander and staff.
    USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), Gaeta, Italy
    USS Blue Ridge (LCC19), Yokosuka, Japan
     
    T-EPF 1 Spearhead-Class Expeditionary Fast Transport (formerly Joint High-Speed Vessel)
    The Expeditionary Fast Transport is a high-speed (35 knots), shallow-draft surface vessel with roll on/roll off capability and significant volume for vehicles, cargo and passengers to provide intra-theater logistics support. EPF is operated by Military Sealift Command civilian mariners, and can be reconfigured with adaptive force packages to perform various missions, such as theater security cooperation, intelligence and surveillance.
    USNS Spearhead (T-EPF-1) In service
    USNS Choctaw County (T-EPF-2) In service
    USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3) In service
    USNS Fall River (T-EPF-4) In service
    USNS Trenton (T-EPF-5) In service
    USNS Brunswick (T-EPF-6) In service
    USNS Carson City (T-EPF-7) In service
    USNS Yuma (T-EPF-8) In service
    USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF-9) Under construction
    USNS Burlington (T-EPF-10) Under construction
    USNS Puerto Rico (T-EPF-11) Under construction
    Unnamed (T-EPF-12) On order
    Unnamed (T-EPF-13) On order
     
    Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) and Expeditionary Transfer Dock (ESD)
    The Expeditionary Transfer Dock (ESD) (formerly known as the Mobile Landing Platform (MLP)) is an The 80,000-ton, 785-foot long ship that utilizes float on/float off technology to support seabasing and expeditionary forces with a surface interface between large, medium speed roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) prepositioning ships and surface connectors including landing craft air cushion vehicle (LCAC), amphibious assault vehicle (AAV), and the future ship-to-shore connector (SSC). 
    The Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) is an ESD variant that supports airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) and support to Special Operations Forces (SOF) as an afloat forward staging base. ESD and ESB are operated by the Military Sealift Command.
    USS Ponce (interim AFSB(I) (ESB))
    USNS Montford Point (T-ESD-1)
    USNS John Glenn (T-ESD-2)
    USNS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB-3)
    USNS Hershel "Woody" Williams (T-ESB-4)
    T-ESB-5 Under construction, NASSCO San Diego
     
    T-AKE 1 Lewis and Clark-Class dry cargo and ammunition Ship
    The 12 Lewis and Clark T-AKEs are operated by Military Sealift Command in the combat logistics force (CLF) role. They provide logistics support—food, parts, consumables, ammunition and fuel--to ships underway though connected and vertical replenishment.
    USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) 
    USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) 
    USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) 
    USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) 
    USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) 
    USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) 
    USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) 
    USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) 
    USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) 
    USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) 
    USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) 
    USNS Matthew C. Perry (T-AKE 9) 
    USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE-13) 
    USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE-14) 
     
    T-AO 187 Kaiser-Class and T-AO(X) Replenishment Oiler
    The Navy has 15 Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oilers, operated by Military Sealift Command in support of the combat logistics force. They provide fuel and supplies to Navy strike groups. 
    USNS Henry J. Kaiser T-AO-187 
    USNS Joshua Humphreys (T-AO-188) 
    USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189) 
    USNS Andrew J. Higgins (T-AO-190) 
    USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO-193) 
    USNS John Ericsson (T-AO-194) 
    USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO-195) 
    USNS Kanawha (T-AO-196) 
    USNS Pecos (T-AO-197) 
    USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198) 
    USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO-199) 
    USNS Guadalupe (T-AO-200) 
    USNS Patuxent (T-AO-201)
    USNS Yukon (T-AO-202) 
    USNS Laramie (T-AO-203) 
    USNS Rappahannock (T-AO-204) 
     
    T-AO(X) Replenishment Oiler 
    The T-AO 205 John Lewis class will replace the T-AO 187s. Seventeen T-AO 205s are planned, with delivery of the first ship in FY 2020.
     
    T-AOE 6 Supply-Class Fast Combat Support Ship
    Two T-AOE 6 fast combat support the combat logistics force. Operated by Military Sealift Command, the 49,000-ton, 754-foot long T-AOEs can operate at high speed to support carrier strike groups with carry the full spectrum of fuel, ammunition and cargo.
    USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) 
    USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8)
     
     
    (As published in the June 2017 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News)

  • An in-depth conversation with Greg Cox, a member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and California Coastal Commission and a key proponent of the San Diego Blue Tech Cluster.   Greg Cox has been a member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors since 1995, where he oversees a regional governmen

  • the computerized collection of data about more than 200 types of crude oil. A variety of presentations will address the future use of chemical dispersants to combat oil spills. At one time dispersants were used cautiously or only in special circumstances. Now they are getting a second chance because

  • Southwest Marine, Inc., San Diego, Calif., has announced that the purchase of Bethlehem Steel's shipyard in San Pedro, Calif., has been finalized. Operations began immediately following the announcement, with a management team and staff of 50. Steadily increasing staff additions are anticipated until

  • . Encouraged by the upward turn in the economy, Lake Union is proceeding with the purchase of new equipment including lathes, air compressors, sandblast pots, mobile cranes, forklifts, and trucks. In this manner management expects to keep pace with the increasing needs of customers. Currently

  • Southwest Marine, Inc. of San Diego, Calif., recently announced two major achievements in its more than $40-million renovation project — the signing of a contract with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan to construct a new hi-tech computerized drydock, and the acquisition of a major West Coast

  • The San Diego Section of The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers has announced the following program for the 1978-79 season: September 20, 1978—Regular meeting of the San Diego Section. Paper: "Heavy Lift Ship Design and Costs," by Benjamin V. Andrews, consultant, Menlo Park, Calif.

  • m s C o m m a n d , Washington, D.C., is t he c o n t r a c t i n g a c t i v i t y ( N 0 0 0 2 4 - 8 8 - C - 2 0 0 0 ). Continental M a r i t i m e of San Diego, San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $ 3 , 8 5 6 , 4 12 f i r m - f i x e d - p r i c e c o n t r a c t for the selected r e s t r i c t e d a

  • San Diego’s “Blue Tech” cluster is making waves.  And like a high tide, the powerful “Blue Economy” is raising a lot of boats. What is the “Blue Economy?”  It has been defined as the sum of all economic activity having to do with oceans, seas, harbors, ports and coastal zones.  San Diego’s “Blue Economy”

  • BAE System’s San Diego yard is a critical player in keeping U.S. Navy ships operatingWalk with David M. Thomas, Jr., VP & GM, San Diego Ship Repair, BAE Systems, and a few things become immediately clear: Dave Thomas is passionate about cleanliness and order, as the San Diego yard is compact and bustling

  • to be completed November 10, 1988. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the requiring activity. National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $14,573,936 firm-fixed-price contract for the regular overhaul of USS Albert David (FF-1050). Work will be performed

  • the ship in traditional champagne fashion. Mrs. Copley is chairman and chief executive officer of The Copley Press, Inc., and the publisher of The San Diego Union and The Tribune. Assisting her as matron of honor was Maureen O'Connor, Mayor of San Diego. Other featured participants included The

  • MT Mar-24#15 Information and Headquarters – San Diego, CA USA Technical)
    March 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 15

    as single axis (pan rotation) and dual axis (pan & tilt rotation) configurations with numerous connector options. For More Information and Headquarters – San Diego, CA USA Technical Specifications Phone: (858) 565-8500 Contact: [email protected] or Email: [email protected] www.rosys.com Visit: www.rosys

  • MR Apr-24#28 around the world. The MSC The San Antonio-class amphibious)
    April 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 28

    an underway replenishment at sea in the Atlantic Ocean, July 17. leum products to our storage and distri- bution sites around the world. The MSC The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD contracting team and the skill set of con- 24) sails alongside the Henry J. Kaiser-class

  • MR Apr-24#4 a Master of Science research San Ramon, California. Over)
    April 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 4

    Superintendent for experience as a journalist. She maritime and security issues. Chevron’s operated ? eet based in has a Master of Science research San Ramon, California. Over the degree in marine ecology as well Rokka last decade, he has represented as diplomas in journalism, com- Juha Rokka is

  • MN Apr-24#37 . “What do we really need an In San Diego, eWolf’s transits)
    April 2024 - Marine News page: 37

    Feature Electric Tugs could change down the road. “What do we really need an In San Diego, eWolf’s transits will typically run 20-30 engineer to do? There are no moving parts. So, how does minutes, “not the optimal operation to really see a lot of that [role] change? How does that change where we work?

  • MN Apr-24#36 part- ners such as the Port of San Diego as well as utility)
    April 2024 - Marine News page: 36

    monitoring system, HVAC and ? re? ghting and detection technology. Through a lot of hard work and collaboration with part- ners such as the Port of San Diego as well as utility provid- er San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE), the regulatory and logistical hurdles have been overcome, and construction is

  • MN Apr-24#35 eWolf is already in San Diego, ready to go, its)
    April 2024 - Marine News page: 35

    saved 178 tons of nitrogen oxides, 2.5 tons of diesel particulate matter and 3,100 metric tons of carbon. Receiving a charge While eWolf is already in San Diego, ready to go, its of? - cial entry into service has been put on a short hold as it awaits the completion of a specially designed shore charging

  • MN Apr-24#34 , Crowley partnered with the San Diego County Air Pollution)
    April 2024 - Marine News page: 34

    . To bring the eWolf to don’t on a traditional tug,” Rice said. Rice stressed the importance of teamwork between the life, Crowley partnered with the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, the California Air Resources shipyard, electrical integrator, designer and production en- Board (CARB)

  • MN Apr-24#33 own power up to its homeport, San Diego, where it sits today)
    April 2024 - Marine News page: 33

    heavy lifted from Ala- bama through the Panama Canal and ? oated in Ensenada, Mexico. From there, eWolf transited under its own power up to its homeport, San Diego, where it sits today, ready to enter service at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. Building the beast On the outside, eWolf has the appearance

  • MN Apr-24#28 storage station at the Port of San Diego.” The Maritime Partners)
    April 2024 - Marine News page: 28

    air quality through battery energy for the vessel and port technology, including a shoreside, microgrid charging and storage station at the Port of San Diego.” The Maritime Partners tug (with its hydrogen fuel cell fed from a methanol reformer), architected by Elliott Bay Design Group, and originally

  • MN Apr-24#4 . I recently traveled to San PRODUCTION Production)
    April 2024 - Marine News page: 4

    Writers running on power supplied entirely by on- Tom Ewing, James Kearns, Barry Parker, Jeff Vogel board batteries. I recently traveled to San PRODUCTION Production & Graphics Manager Diego to see (and ride) the vessel, a truly Eric Haun, Editor, Nicole Ventimiglia • nicole@marinelink

  • MN Apr-24#2 Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal in San Diego to visit Crowley’s)
    April 2024 - Marine News page: 2

    Jennifer Carpenter, American Waterways Operators By Eric Haun On the Cover Marine News recently traveled to the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal in San Diego to visit Crowley’s new fully electric tug, eWolf. The vessel is capable of operating 100% on battery power, slashing noise and emissions. (Photo:

  • MN Feb-24#38 ser- to seeing her at work in San Diego very soon.” vices)
    February 2024 - Marine News page: 38

    United States. Crowley in the construction of the eWolf and look forward The 82-foot tug, designed by Crowley’s engineering ser- to seeing her at work in San Diego very soon.” vices team and built by Coden, Ala. shipbuilder Master The eWolf is designed to operate on full electric pow- Boat Builders, was

  • MN Feb-24#27 and extinguishment.” In San Franciso, Patrick Murphy)
    February 2024 - Marine News page: 27

    and attends meetings at the IMO to track Li-battery and other safety issues, particularly in the area of marine ? re detection and extinguishment.” In San Franciso, Patrick Murphy is president of the Blue & Gold Fleet, which provides ferry and water excursion services on San Francisco Bay and regular

  • MN Feb-24#17 operations, throughout the San Francisco Bay, million)
    February 2024 - Marine News page: 17

    many operators, particularly ergy storage systems. WETA operates capital costs. It can cost between $6 small, privately owned operations, throughout the San Francisco Bay, million and $15 million for a new may not be able to afford the cost of providing critical transbay services vessel or to upgrade

  • MT Jan-24#31 Charleson, S.C. Likewise USS San incur the expense of the)
    January 2024 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 31

    701) and the Nuclear Power School service at their mid-life point rather than module that plants itself on the bot- in Charleson, S.C. Likewise USS San incur the expense of the costly mid-life tom; the power and sensing modules; Franscisco was decommissioned in refueling. San Francisco was in com- and

  • MR Jan-24#16 Development Squadron One in San Diego and cade of the)
    January 2024 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News page: 16

    Framework, standing up an Unmanned Task Force, establish- ise to make an enormous impact on warfare in the third de- ing Surface Development Squadron One in San Diego and cade of the twenty-? rst century. Some of the most prominent Unmanned Surface Vessel Division One in Port Hueneme, include next generation

  • MN Nov-23#52 Feature Great Vessels of 2023 San Francisco Bar Pilots GOLDEN)
    November 2023 - Marine News page: 52

    Feature Great Vessels of 2023 San Francisco Bar Pilots GOLDEN GATE The San Francisco Bar Pilots provide pilotage service in With onboard capacity for two crew and up to 12 pilots, the San Francisco Bay and tributaries. When it came time the new Golden Gate—which replaces a 30-year-old vessel to build a

  • MN Nov-23#47 Energy VP sales, president of San Jac Marine. “We are already)
    November 2023 - Marine News page: 47

    access to charging es for towboats in certain trades,” said Mitch Jones, vice is available],” said Erik Larsen, Corvus Energy VP sales, president of San Jac Marine. “We are already looking at Americas. “Recent electric vessel projects in the North building follow-on vessels.” American market include

  • MN Nov-23#46 Diamond was constructed by San “We are excited to be)
    November 2023 - Marine News page: 46

    leveraged in-house expertise to design and build timated 80% reduction in fuel use and related emissions. the new vessel. Green Diamond was constructed by San “We are excited to be the ? rst to market with a plug-in hy- Jac Marine, Kirby’s shipyard in Channelview, Texas. An- brid inland towing vessel,” said

  • MN Nov-23#28 was built in Channelview by San Jac Marine, LLC, a because)
    November 2023 - Marine News page: 28

    based. Kirby’s role goes beyond vessel operating. The ing. Thus, these vessels may be candidates for electri? cation vessel was built in Channelview by San Jac Marine, LLC, a because they are frequently waiting at port where they could Kirby-owned shipyard; and Stewart & Stevenson, another charge between

  • MT Sep-23#65 , including of California, San Diego (UCSD). acoustics)
    September 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 65

    was of California, conducts investigations in a number hosted by the Marine Physical Laboratory at the University of fields, including of California, San Diego (UCSD). acoustics, oceanography, Still, FLIP — which was owned by the U.S. Navy and man- meteorology and marine mammal observation. aged by

  • MT Sep-23#57 nature. DeepSea Power & Light (San Diego, CA) has published)
    September 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 57

    oil has the cast dome on an LED is often silicone, and may be affected by Further Reading immersion in a ? uid of a similar nature. DeepSea Power & Light (San Diego, CA) has published numerous articles on un- dersea lighting and imaging. Tip: A reasonably good 30-watt, 2600 Go to: https://www.deepsea.com/knowled

  • MT Sep-23#53 .com www.subsea-tech.com San Diego-based SubSeaSail)
    September 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 53

    SubSeaSail LLC Subsea Tech www.subseasail.com www.subsea-tech.com San Diego-based SubSeaSail (SSS) is a six-year- Subsea Tech offers a wide range of equipment and old BlueTech innovative company aiming to develop technological solutions, from underwater robots (ROVs) unique, affordable, Uncrewed

  • MT Sep-23#22 data. We’ll continue to use our San Diego of- so that our work)
    September 2023 - Marine Technology Reporter page: 22

    clean and maintain ships and collect data telligence that enables to extend our presence into the ocean, and process that data. We’ll continue to use our San Diego of- so that our work there can be persistent, safe, ef? cient, and ? ce to support our US Navy and US Marine Corps defense cus- for the protection