New Big Stick
 

http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-02751sy0may08,0,74247.story?coll=dp%2Dheadlines%2Dtopnews

Would you believe that I'm to lazy to copy and paste the second link into another window? Shame on me...

You know, I'm generally considered a right-wing conservative republican type, but even I have a hard time seeing the need for a new aircraft carrier. What's the justification here? Is there any doubt that our existing fleet is anything but overwhelmingly superior to, well, probably all the other navies in the world combined?

But I'm pretty sure it was paid for years ago. They can't really do much except bring it on line and replace some of the older ones.

The new carrier is coming on line to replace the Connie, a 40 year old warship.

The need for fleet carriers of this type is projected to decline over the next 50 years as smaller aircraft and smartship technology take hold. But until then, we need the capabilities a ship like the Reagan to project our interests.

It is true that our Navy is much more powerfull than any other navy, but antiship warfare is not really what we ask the carriers to do. Perhaps AE can expand on this.


Mostly.

If anyone is interest in the fasinating world of carrier aquisition I suggest this link.

Actually, there is yet another still under construction (The George H.W. Bush -- ack!).

I think the plan is to retire the older non-Nimitz class carriers (Enterprise, Constellation, Kitty Hawk). I believe all 3 of those have been in service right around 40 years.

There is?

"under construction" is a generous term.

Yeah, "planned" construction is probably more accurate.

Just reading my employer's name (Northrop Grumman) makes me smile. Is our stock going up yet? :)


Todd

I can't wait to see the USS Grover Cleveland hit the seas. Talk about intimidation!

I have a canoe made by Northrop Grumman. I wouldn't try to land an F-18 on it, though.

What would be wrong with a Cleveland?

Umm, half my 401(k) is in NG stock, so I have this to say:

GET BACK TO WORK!

Plenty.:D

It's the best damn canoe on the market, maybe a glider can land on it?


I do too. We are as busy as heck, good thing I'm in IT. :)

Todd

With all due respect, did you guys learn nothing from Enron?

Who's Enron?

:p


Todd

Could they pick a worse name for a carrier? The George H.W. Bush? Terrible!!!

Reagan is also a pretty bad name, but not as bad...

something you probably wont see in the news:

[edited to hide names & such]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Yesterday afternoon we suffered a tremendous loss, one of ours, John Smith became ill while supporting the RONALD REAGAN Builders Trials and passed away later in the evening at [a] Hospital after being transported from the ship by helo.

Having the ship at sea has made getting some of the exact details more difficult and bits and pieces of details have been coming in this morning.

Mr. Wingfield and his folks in XXXXX have been doing all the right things this morning to make sure that John's family and relations are being given the proper information and care. We can all be proud of the care and compassion they are showing for the family as they feel the loss closer and keener than most.

There are a lot of people outside XXXX that are missing Mr. Smith this morning. John worked very closely with our local XXXX and "his" Marines providing security here at XXXX, both of the organizations are taking the loss very hard. Our XXXXXX Commander, VADM Gosnold just called me to send
his personal condolences as well.

I had the occasion to speak with John on the mess decks of the Ronald Reagan just a few hours before his death. At that point he was still feeling well, his spirits were extremely high and he was very PROUD of the contributions that all of you made to help build such a fine warship for the navy and he expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to take part.

Mr. Wingfield will keep us all informed of future arrangements and our opportunity to help the family.

Very Respectfully,
CAPT Ratcliffe