Naval Surface Combatants in the 1990s: Prospects and Possibilities
Abstract
The U.S. Navy, accustomed since WW II to unequivocal dominance at sea, struggled in the 1970s with the pressures brought about by rapidly advancing technology, the obsolescence of large numbers of WW II ships, and a vigorous challenge at sea from a Soviet navy growing in strength and confidence. This has continued into the 1980s. It is nowhere more evident than in that category of warships known as surface combatants -- cruisers, destroyers, and frigates. Looking ahead to the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Navy faces a substantial drop in the surface combatant force level as the ships delivered in the late 1950s and early 1960s reach retirement age. At the same time, the challenge posed by the forces of potential adversaries has continued to grow. In addressing this challenge, several related questions must be considered: * How large a surface combatant force will the Navy have in the 1990s? * How might recent technological developments affect the likely role of future surface combatants? * Given these technological developments, and alternative views of naval strategy, what mix of surface combatants might be considered within whatever budget level the Congress selects? These questions are the focus of this paper.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA474800
Entities
People
- Peter R. Tarpgaard
Organizations
- Congressional Budget Office