Does the Navy/Marine Corps Team need an Armed High Speed Transport?

via CIMSEC.org

 The U.S. Navy achieved extraordinary success in the 20th century – playing key roles in winning WWII and the Cold War. The U.S. Navy earned these accomplishments with forces structured around an exceptional fleet of technologically superior ships and aircraft. The U.S. Navy’s “ships of the line” during this era represented the height of our technological and industrial capabilities – and no expense was spared to create, construct, and operate this world-leading fleet.

As the United States and the U.S. Navy move into the 21st century, the United States faces the duel challenge of engaging in a “long war” against Islamofacism and meeting the threat of emerging “peer competitors” in a period of economic and fiscal constraints. Meeting these dichotomous challenges requires a fundamental rethink of the nature of naval forces and their roles. Is the U.S. Navy moving from an era of exceptional “ships of the line” – including LHA’s & LPD’s, FFG’s, CG’s, DDG’s, SSN’s and CVN’s – to one filled with USV’s, UAV’s, LCS’s, CV’s, SSK’s and perhaps something new – Long Range Patrol Vessels (LRPV’s)? But what in the world is an LRPV?  

The LRPV represents the 21st century version of the WWII APD – High Speed Transports. To better understand the 21st century LRPV, let’s take a look at the history and capabilities of the 20th century APDs.

Read the entire article here.

It occurred to me that we've spent more than a decade procuring almost useless ships based on bad "theory".  Think about it.  The LCS for battling insurgent forces in the littoral zone.  Now its being remade into a Frigate (or else we buy one).  The Mobile Landing Platform.  Half the buy is going to be lilly pads for SOCOM.  JHSV.  High Speed Transports that are fast but can't sail in even semi rough waters and melt when hit.

But back to the LRPV.  Isn't that just another name for ABSALON!