Submarines Today: In Too Deep?
Abstract
Can any lessons be learned from the effectiveness of submarines throughout history? Given today's geopolitical situation, would the U.S. Navy be better served with more or less emphasis on maintaining or improving its submarine force? Given the shifting strategic focus of the United States to the littoral regions of the world, is there a place for the submarines in the U.S. Navy? The history of submarine warfare in the United States is one of success. The Submarine Service has always rapidly and readily adapted to any new mission placed on them. This has never been more true than today. Looking to the future, strategic planners have determined that the next U.S. battles will be in the littoral regions of the world. Naval planners recognized this shift in focus and began developing weapons to fight there. One of those weapons is the submarine. Design improvements are being incorporated into the improved Los Angeles class, the Seawolf, and the NSSN. These improvements are designed to allow these ships to conduct littoral missions while maintaining the capability to do traditional ones. The improved Los Angeles, the Seawolf, and the NSSN are well adapted to these new missions, but their costs will determine whether they will be built. The U.S. Navy is at a critical decision point in its history. With budgets continuing to shrink, the Navy must decide whether to continue with its current mix of ships or select one type over another. The solution to this dilemma is to begin building relatively low-cost diesel submarines. These diesels will incorporate all of the technologic advances of the NSSN and Seawolf, but will be designed using new computer technology and built in modules. The complementary nature of diesel and nuclear submarines will allow the Navy to maximize its capabilities in both blue water and the littorals. The cost savings will allow for increased production runs, maintaining our industrial base.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA529226
Entities
People
- James M. Docherty
Organizations
- Marine Corps University