Navy: The cruisers must go, that others may stay

[Lt-Col A. Tack]

By Philip Ewing Thursday
March 22nd, 2012 12:17 pm

The Navy’s proposal to decommission seven Aegis cruisers was “an extremely difficult choice for us to make,” but it must be done to protect what the Navy calls the “wholeness” of the rest of its fleet, top commanders told Congress Thursday.

Read more: http://www.dodbuzz.com/2012/03/22/na...hers-may-stay/

[Lt-Col A. Tack]

"...seven Aegis cruisers...."

Yikes. Hate to see them taken out of service.

Maybe some of our friends could use them?

[Jdam1]

What sort of capabilities do the Ticonderoga class have over more modern versions of the burke class ?

[gastrion]

peru still operates a gun cruiser, maybe they need some new ones

[Lt-Col A. Tack]

What sort of capabilities do the Ticonderoga class have over more modern versions of the burke class ?

Obviously the cruisers are bigger ships, but other than more VLS cells, I'm not sure what other differences there are between the two ship, in terms of capabilities.

[Ordie]

Many of the Ticos are approaching 30 years.

Taiwan had express interest in getting an Aegis vessel, but were given the Kidd Class (Iranian Spruance Class) ships instead.

[happyslapper]

Obviously the cruisers are bigger ships, but other than more VLS cells, I'm not sure what other differences there are between the two ship, in terms of capabilities.

More directors (Tico has 4 iirc), better C3, better radar horizon, more survivable, better combat endurance.
Ultimately, the differences in capability aren't enough to justify the expense, so it's the right decision in my book. The advancements in 3rd party targetting, data-links, etc, have rendered much of the Tico's historic advantages irrelevant anyway.

[Lt-Col A. Tack]

More directors (Tico has 4 iirc), better C3, better radar horizon, more survivable, better combat endurance.
Ultimately, the differences in capability aren't enough to justify the expense, so it's the right decision in my book. The advancements in 3rd party targetting, data-links, etc, have rendered much of the Tico's historic advantages irrelevant anyway.

Many thanks. I'm open minded about the decision; not immediately critical.

I do wonder whether some could be donated to our friends, who may want to upgrade them and keep them in service for a few years. Granted, they wouldn't be the most advanced ships but still capable for many missions, I would think.

[Piggy]

Taiwan, Pakistan, India, South Korea, Turkey... long is list.

[Ordie]

Taiwan, Pakistan, India, South Korea, Turkey... long is list.

The South Koreans already has Aegis with the Sejong the Great class DDG.

[Lt-Col A. Tack]

I wonder if the Australians or British would be interested? Maybe as an alternative or complement to the Australian Hobart or the British Daring Classes?

[Ordie]

I wonder if the Australians or British would be interested? Maybe as an alternative or complement to the Australian Hobart or the British Daring Classes?

The RAN has manpower issues.

Is there an RN left?

However, perhaps the French could use an Aegis platform.

[Lt-Col A. Tack]

The RAN has manpower issues.
Is there an RN left?
However, perhaps the French could use an Aegis platform.

Very interesting points, sir.

[tercio67]

However, perhaps the French could use an Aegis platform.

They use the Cassard and Horizon class ships for that iirc.

[happyslapper]

The RAN has manpower issues.
Is there an RN left?
However, perhaps the French could use an Aegis platform.

There is a world beyond Aegis y'know...

Why would any modern western navy be interested? The class is a financial black hole which even the USN can't continue to bear.