The Arleigh Burkes had a new and stealthier hull design, but with essentially the same gas turbine propulsion plant and Aegis combat system.Īlthough there are no frigates in the fleet today, they have served in large numbers in the past, and many other navies have them During World War II, the U.S. The Ticonderoga class guided missile cruisers (CGs) had a transformational Aegis combat system, but were built upon the Spruance hull. ![]() The Spruance class of destroyers had a legacy combat system, but a new hull and gas turbine propulsion plant. ![]() To manage risk, the Navy has often taken measured steps in introducing transformational technology in new classes of ships. Although the USS Arleigh Burke-class of guided missile destroyers (DDGs) today represent the largest and most successful class of warships, with 68 active ships in the fleet and ships still being built at two shipyards, the lead ship was over budget and behind schedule. Just about every new class has experienced a rough start. That’s one reason why the Navy is opting for a lower risk design for its next class of guided missile frigates (FFGs). And trying something new and transformational is even harder. Specifically, the class includes an enterprise air surveillance radar, Baseline Ten Aegis combat system, a Mk 41 vertical launch system, communications systems, Mk 57 gun weapon system countermeasures, and added capability in electronic warfare and information operations with design flexibility for future growth.Ī ship naming celebration will also take place at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia on July 3, 2023.įind more information on Constellation-class guided-missile frigates here.Introducing a new class of warship can be fraught with pain, and the first ship is always the hardest – almost always behind schedule and over budget. The Constellation-class will have multi-mission capability to conduct air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, electronic warfare, and information operations. This ship class will be an agile, multi-mission warship, capable of operations in both blue-water and littoral environments, providing increased combat-credible forward presence that provides a military advantage at sea. The Constellation-class guided-missile frigate represents the Navy’s next generation small surface combatant. Ambassador to France Denise Bauer said, “The vital American-French alliance owes much to our historic naval partnership and to the early leadership of the Marquis de Lafayette, and so it is entirely fitting that the United States Navy will name a vessel in honor of this legendary hero." USS Lafayette and her sister ships bring with them increased lethality, survivability, and the capabilities that our Joint Force requires to conduct operations around the world with our partners and allies. ![]() The other ships in the class are USS Constellation (FFG 62), USS Congress (FFG 63), and USS Chesapeake (FFG 64). USS Lafayette, the fourth of our new Constellation-class frigates, is scheduled to commission in 2029. Three previous Navy vessels have been named in honor of Lafayette: a sidewheel ironclad ram, a transport ship (AP 53), and a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN 616). In 2002, Congress posthumously made Lafayette an honorary U.S. ![]() “Just think, were it not for the Marquis de Lafayette’s willingness-along with that of tens of thousands of his compatriots-to fight alongside our Continental Army and Navy during our Revolutionary War centuries ago, we might not be here together this evening.” “Their shared ideals-that all people deserve liberty and the pursuit of happiness, as well as an unflinching commitment to democratic governance-are the foundation upon which the relationship between France and the United States of America continue to build upon today,” said Secretary Del Toro during remarks at the naming ceremony in Paris.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |