Program Status: Naval Surface Fire Support.
Abstract
The Navy admits that it currently has no credible surface fire capabilities to support forced-entry from the sea and inland operations by Marine Corps and Army forces. To address this deficiency, the Navy has initiated a two-phased Naval Surface Fire Support program. We reviewed this research and development program, with the objectives of (1) determining the status of the Navy's near-term phase, consisting of a modified 5-inch gun, extended-range guided munition, and warfare control system, and (2) identifying issues surrounding the long-term phase, which is needed to address currently stated requirements. The purpose of this letter is to provide the results of our review. We are making no recommendations. Since 1992, when it retired the last of its battleships, the Navy's surface fire support capabilities have been limited to 5-inch/54 caliber guns and munitions that lack adequate range, accuracy, and lethality. Targeting and fire control are still done manually, and the Navy acknowledges that the communications links between fire support ships and their customers are inadequate. A growing threat from sea-skimming antiship missiles is forcing fire support ships to operate at ever increasing ranges from shore, further limiting the utility of existing guns.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328719
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office