Time for a real Afloat Forward Staging Base.

This is going to make some people punch walls but here we go again(sorry but its too good to not bring it back up every couple of months)!  I've seen the reports of the USS Ponce in action as an Afloat Staging Base-Interim.  I've read the thinking that the Mobile Landing Platform can be used in the role.  I've seen all that and I remain unconvinced.

Instead of expensive adhoc solutions how about an inexpensive (relatively) conversion that fulfills the mission?  How about the Maersk Conversion?  SOCOM quickly pushed the ship in hand toward a base for mine warfare...even in that role it was probably inadequate.  How many MH-53's could you get on the deck of that LPD?

Consider the response that could have been possible if SOCOM had the capabilities of this ship available for the troubles in Libya?  You could have a forward based Command Element from Tampa onboard...a flight of USAF CV-22's...Task Force 160 guys with Little Birds and MH-47's...a couple of SEAL Teams, Special Forces A-Teams, MARSOC and Rangers...not to mention all the support personnel these units would require.

One ship...a ton of shooters.  SOCOM should be all over this if the Navy isn't.  Additionally the flight deck behind the bridge could be converted to a high tech communications array ala the Blue Ridge Class and it would be complete.  This idea is beyond ready for prime time.  All it needs is a brave soul in the Pentagon to get the ball rolling.  Seriously.  Consider the ship concept above with the Ponce...