First, I wish we had a few Naval Veterans here with us. They would know more about what is going on with the US Navy and the Ships we have. What the Future will look like and the type of warfare we are prepared for. Although I am sure as we grow we may have some of my cousins come around to help us out. Some Marines would know more too.
What I do know is that one of the lessens we learned from Nam was we really were not prepared for Conflict and Battle in shallow waters. Coastal Waters and rivers. Well the Navy took a lead on it with the Idea that not only would technology change so would the way Assualt and Battle took place. Regarding tactics and strategy.
Assault and Strike Units needed to be more complete. Especially with regards to invasion, amphibious assualt, securing a beachhead, specialty missions etc etc. What the US Navy has today are the Littorial Combat Ships 1 and 2. Known as LCS-1 made by Lockheed Martin Consortium and LCS-2 made by The General Dynamics Consortium.
USS FREEDOM is the lead ship of the FREEDOM - class of Littoral Combat Ships and the Lockheed Martin consortium's design for the Navy's littoral combat ship program.
Well that didnt Work.....Pics didnt come out for some reason. Here is the link.
Awarded: December 15, 2004 Keel laid: June 2, 2005 Launched: September 23, 2006 Commissioned: November 8, 2008 Builder: Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wis. Propulsion system: two gas turbine engines, two diesel engines, waterjets Length: 377 feet (115 meters) Beam: 57.4 feet (17.5 meters) Draft: 13.5 feet (4.13 meters) Displacement: approx. 3,000 tons full load Speed: 45 knots Armament: one Mk-110 57mm gun, one RAM system, two Mk-46 30mm chain guns Aircraft: two MH-60 helicopters Homeport: San Diego, Calif. Crew: less than 50 (two crews, a gold and a blue one) and mission crew
Eyes in the sky, radar, 2 Armed Assualt Squads, and Transport. 45 knots! Able to enter Coastal and shallow waters.
http://united-states-navy.com/lcs/lcs1.htm