Big news this weekend as the hardest working reporter in naval affairs, Chris Cavas, published this interesting story based on a report last year to the CNO by VADM Tom Copeman, Commander Naval Surface Forces (whose Creighton Bluejays open with tough Cincinnati squad in the Big Dance) . In it, Copeman reportedly lays out a vision for the surface force that looks surprisingly like that put together by the Romney Campaign Navy team, albeit likely with fewer ships.
Our plan would have built the first 24 LCS (weighting mine warfare modules in synchronization), shelved the Flight III DDG in favor of continuing to build Flight IIA's (3 per year), and moved to an AMDR configured BMD "cruiser" built on either the LPD 17 or the DDG 1000 hull (there was great debate within the team about which path was better--some wanted to go with the DDG 1000--building 11 of them--others believed the hullform flawed and wanted to go with the LPD 17). All of these steps are--according to Cavas--in Copeman's recommendation.
So if indeed, Vice Admiral Copeman would have the Navy move in this direction, he would have my full support.
Bryan McGrath
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