Inside The Navy's Next-Generation Destroyer

The next-generation Zumwalt-class destroyer, known as DDG 1000, will be the most advanced such vessel the U.S. Navy has ever had. It will feature a server-based computer system that will allow any crew member to do any role at any station. (Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET via Raytheon)

From CNET:

PORTSMOUTH, R.I.--As someone interested in the cutting edge, one of the best things about Road Trip 2010 has been getting a rare look at the U.S. Navy's next-generation aircraft carrier and the world's most advanced submarine.

But that wasn't enough for me. I also had to see where the Navy is going with destroyers, and that's why my visit to Raytheon's Seapower Capability Center here was such a good investment of time: I got a chance for a lengthy discussion on the next-generation, Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer, which the Navy expects to be a standard bearer for the next 50 years.

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My Comment: Considering how much each of these destroyers cost .... they better damn well do everything.

Countering Beijing's New Weapon

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Zumwalt DDG 1000 destroyer. (Image from Wikipedia)

From Washington Times:

According to the incoming commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Robert F. Willard, "In the past decade or so, China has exceeded most of our intelligence estimates of their military capability and capacity every year. They've grown at an unprecedented rate in those capabilities."

Nowhere is this more evident than in China's development of an anti-ship ballistic missile capability, specifically designed to target U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups that are the principle obstacle to China's expansion goals in the Western Pacific.

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My Comment: As I had mentioned before .... there is no more money in the bank to build more ships.

Dead Aim, Or Dead End? The USA’s DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class Program

DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer

From Defense Industry Daily:

DID’s FOCUS articles offer in-depth, updated looks at significant military programs of record. The prime missions of the new DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class destroyer are to provide naval gunfire support and next-generation air defense in near-shore areas where other large ships hesitate to tread, possibly even as the anchor for an action group of stealthy Littoral Combat Ships and submarines. The estimated 14,500t (cruiser sized) Zumwalt Class will be fully multi-role, however, with undersea warfare, anti-ship, and long-range surface attack roles. As such, the DDG-1000 is also envisioned as a “hidden ace card” that can use its overall stealth to create uncertainty for enemy forces.

At over $3 billion per ship for construction alone, and just 2-8 ships to be built in the class, the program faces significant obstacles as it tries to avoid either “technology demonstrator” status, or the fulfillment of Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter’s fears for the fleet. A follow-on CG (X) cruiser is currently contemplated, and the issues faced by the DDG-1000 Program are having a significant influence on whether and how it comes to fruition.

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