Brown Water Navy Enthusiasts, Your Time Has Come

The Launching of USS Freedom (LCS-1) signals a new era for the USN.

Unlike the Cold War era fighting platforms such as the Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer and the Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser, the USS Freedom and its dozens of sister ships to follow are meant to operate near shore, in shallow waters, estuaries, and deep rivers.

The Littoral Combat Ship will be capable of 45 knots, features one 57mm forward gun, a compliment of Raytheon RAM Missiles, and can can two helicopters AND three UAVs. The LCS has crew of 40.

The LCS is an ideal ship for near shore insurgent environments like Somalia, where pirates have become notorious for their brazen raids on international shipping. The LCS would also be handy for patrols off the coast of Lebanon or Gaza, to observe the situation there or intercept smugglers.

One problem, when dealing with pirates is the potential cost. In any battle off Somalia, the pirates are risking a motor boat, while the USN is risking a high-tech destroyer. The LCS helps address this imbalance by being expendable.

For more about Will, visit http://www.gulfwarone.com/. His novel, 'A Line Through the Desert' can be purchased here.