Saturday, August 28, 2010

LSD's and LPD's as Mini- Carriers.

The above photo is another example of the tremendous amount of aviation that even an ancient LSD can carry.

Perhaps this is the best kept secret in the Navy.  LSD's and LPD's can (in a high density operation) almost rival the first Iwo Jima Class LHA's in the number of helicopters they can carry.


The mini-ARG concept can work but it will require a careful balancing of assets and the LPD-17 class should be the centerpiece of the effort.

With this in mind it might make sense to re-class the LHD and especially the USS America Class LHA's as Amphibious Assault Carriers, limit our buy of them and fill them only with F-35s.

Imagine an amphibious fleet of 4 America Class Amphibious Assault Carriers with the balance of the ships being LPDs and LSDs.  You could have reinforced companies all over the place and a forward presence that the Navy has been clamoring for.

Protection could be an issue but a Burke Class destroy to accompany each Mini-ARG should be sufficient for operations other than war.

I think I've hit on something.