Arsenal Ship: The Operational Commander's Perspective.
Abstract
Much has been written concerning the fledgling arsenal ship concept espoused by former Chief of Naval Operations, ADM J.M. Boorda. To date that writing has centered around budgetary and strategic force planning issues. However, now is the time to consider the operational commander's perspective on opportunities and limitations in employment that this joint asset will bring to the theater. The issue of command and control over the vast array of ordnance which arsenal ship brings to the war is likely to be unique in the development of joint operational doctrine. Technology will allow a remote shooter to determine targets, select ordnance and engage in battle without being onboard the launch platform. This will require coordination and the issue should be resolved before the theater CINC owns the asset. Operational level doctrine to addressed in the case of the arsenal ship also include the functions of operational fires, operational logistics, and operational protection. Clearly, arsenal ship represents a philosophical change in from any ship previously constructed. It is designed strictly for joint littoral operations, the embodiment of From the Sea. As such, its capabilities and limitations make it a unique fit into the envisioned theaters of possible employment. Certainly, its use in one theater, the Persian Gulf, will not mirror employment in another, for example Korea. The time to consider its incorporation into operational planning is now.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 19, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328162
Entities
People
- F. J. Niner
Organizations
- Naval War College