This Cutting-Edge Submarine Is the Navy’s Secret Weapon
As any person who’s ever delved into naval history can tell you, no nation is less likely to rest on its laurels than the United States Navy. Since World War II’s great dreadnoughts to Cold War nuclear-powered leviathans, never has the Navy hesitated to face change as its own best friend. And today, we are part of still one more great act within that tradition, a wholesale modernization wave that’s redefining the fleet for the 21st century.
America’s navy has been undergoing a sustained and thoughtful period of growth, expansion, and reinvention in recent years. New ships are being commissioned and others are already being built, so coming years, up to 2030 and beyond, will witness no less formidable fleet of new-generation, high-tech vessels moor at America’s shores. We are not talking just warships with sophisticated radar, new missile systems, improved stealth capabilities, and digital command centers that would give Cold War-era admirals pause.
For naval historians and milnuts around the globe, this is a great time. It’s not just new ships for older ones, but redefining naval strategy in general, adapting to new challenges around the globe, cyber war, and constantly shifting theaters of operations at sea. If you are a propulsion junkie, a firepower buff, or just can’t do anything but revel at new sleek lines cutting through the sea, there is something to be thrilled at.
So with historical consideration and with a look to the future, let’s examine America’s newest additions to its naval arsenal, and what new warships are being introduced to battle.
Why Does the Navy Need New Ships?
Times have changed, and the mission needs of the US Navy have changed. As such, using a bunch of older ships geared for the likes of the Cold War won't cut it in the modern era. New ships are necessary for the US Navy to maintain a critical edge against its would-be aggressors.
What Does Modern Naval Warfare Look Like?
We saw the change in air doctrine nearly 50 years ago, and the same is now approaching naval doctrine. Instead of massive ships duking it out with guns, there is more focus on naval missiles. A missile boat can punch a massive hole in an aircraft carrier while being miles and miles away.
