1. Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
April
2017

2. U.S. Navy’s Mission
Maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.
CNSP Mission
Warfighting and Winning at sea.
Through sustainment of combat-ready warships operating forward.
Sea control
When and Where needed.
Pre-requisite to achieving
the Navy's objectives:
All Domain Access
Deterrence
Power Projection
Maritime Security
BASIC MESSAGE: America’s Navy protects and defends America on the world’s oceans.
Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America’s finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.
GENERAL MESSAGE: The United States Navy will be ready to conduct prompt and sustained combat incident to operations at sea.
In doing so, our Navy will protect America from attack and protect our strategic influence in key regions of the world.
U.S. Naval operations and forces – from the sea floor to space, from deep water to the littorals – will be designed to deter aggression and enable peaceful resolution of any dispute on terms acceptable to the United States and our allies and partners.
If deterrence fails, the Navy will conduct decisive combat operations to defeat any enemy. (Source: CNO’s Design)
MATURE MESSAGE: For 241 years, the U.S. Navy has been a cornerstone of American security and prosperity. To continue to meet this obligation, we must adapt to the emerging security environment.
On the eve of the 20th century, the United States emerged from the Civil War and laid the foundation to become a global power, but its course to continued prosperity was unclear. Navy Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan helped to chart that course, arguing that American growth required access to overseas markets, which in turn required a preeminent navy to protect that access. America became a nation with global interests, and the seas were the path to new frontiers. The essence of Mahan’s vision still pertains: America’s interests lie beyond our own shores. What was true in the late 19th century holds true today – America’s success depends on our creativity, our entrepreneurism, and our access and relationships abroad.
In an increasingly globalized world, America’s success is even more reliant on the U.S. Navy. In fulfilling our mission, it’s important to start with an assessment of the security environment. It is tempting to define the challenge solely in terms of our allies, partners, and competitors – the state and non-state actors on the world stage. While these are critical, it is even more important to understand the dramatic changes that have taken place on the stage itself – the character of the environment in which competition and cooperation occur. Fundamentally, the world has become dramatically more globalized, and this trend is accelerating. Our way ahead must account for this new reality. (Source: CNO’s Design)
PICTURE: ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 17, 2015) The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) leads a formation while participating in UNITAS UNITAS 2015, the U.S. Navy's longest running annual multinational maritime exercise, is part of the Southern Seas deployment planned by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. This iteration of UNITAS is conducted in two phases: UNITAS PACIFIC, hosted by Chile in October 2015 and UNITAS Atlantic hosted by Brazil in Nov.. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Archer/Released)
Essential to our Nation's security and prosperity,
maintaining the ability to maneuver globally on the seas prevents others from using the sea against the interests of the United States and our allies.

3. Why It Matters
25% (38 million) of all U.S. jobs are directly or indirectly tied to global trade
25% of U.S. manufacturing jobs depend on exports
20% of all U.S. agriculture products by volume are sold in overseas markets
As the global economy continues to expand and become more connected, the classic maritime system is becoming increasingly used by the United States and the world as a whole.
The free flow of goods over the world’s oceans is a national security issue. One-quarter – that is 38 million – of all U.S. jobs are directly or indirectly tied to global trade. One-quarter of U.S. manufacturing jobs depend on exports. One-fifth of all U.S. agriculture products by volume are sold in overseas markets. The Navy, operating forward, ensures this flow of goods remains unimpeded.
And it’s something most Americans don’t think about, but 95 percent of all international phone and internet traffic is transmitted via undersea communication cables. America’s Navy plays a critical role in protecting these vital electronic conduits.

4. Our View of the World
Three major forces that define our world view and challenge our dominance:
1) The maritime system: Traffic on and under the world’s oceans
2) Global information system: Servers, satellites, networks around the globe
3) Rapid technological growth: New tech changing how we work and live
Adapted from CNO’s “A Design For Maintaining Maritime Superiority”:
Since the turn of the 20th century, the United States has been a nation with global interests. The oceans of the world have served as a path to new frontiers and new opportunities long beyond our borders. And despite a century’s worth of changes around the world, one thing has not changed – in an increasingly globalized world, America’s success is even more reliant on the U.S. Navy.
This increased globalization brings with it many challenges, in particular three major and inter-related global forces that define our view of the world and challenge our dominance. These three forces energize the quickly changing environment in which the Navy must operate – and, if required, fight and win:
The first global force is the traffic on the oceans, seas, and waterways, including the sea floor – the classic maritime system.
A second increasingly influential force is the rise of the global information system – the information that rides on the servers, undersea cables, satellites, and wireless networks that increasingly envelop and connect the globe.
The third interrelated force is the increasing rate of technological creation and adoption. Novel uses for increasingly sophisticated robotics, energy storage, 3-D printing, and networks of low-cost sensors, to name just a few examples, are changing almost every facet of how we work and live.
These three forces – the forces at play in the maritime system, the force of the information system, and the force of technology entering the environment – and the interplay between them have profound implications for the United States Navy.
There is also a fourth ‘force’ that shapes our security environment. Barring an unforeseen change, even as we face new challenges and an increasing pace, the Defense and Navy budgets likely will remain under pressure. We will not be able to “buy” our way out of the challenges that we face. The budget environment will force tough choices but must also inspire new thinking.
Now, let’s take a look at each of these forces and how they affect us…
PICTURE: YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 4, 2016) Sailors man the rails as the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departs Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Ronald Reagan provides a combat-ready force which protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan McFarlane/Released)

5. It’s Connected World Satellites Servers Undersea cables
Wireless networks
Another major and interrelated global force is the Global Information System. Servers, undersea cables, satellites, and wireless networks carry massive amounts of information that have enveloped the globe.
This system is more pervasive than the maritime system, enabling an even greater multitude of connections between people and at a much lower cost of entry. Literally, an individual with a computer is a powerful actor in this system!
Information passed in near-real time across rapidly multiplying links ushers rapid change – in everything from music to medicine, microfinance to missiles.
PICTURE: CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Sept. 2, 2015) The U.S. Navy's fourth Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) communications satellite, encapsulated in a 5-meter payload fairing lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41. The MUOS 4 satellite will bring advanced, new global communications capabilities to mobile military forces. (Photo courtesy United Launch Alliance/Released)

6. Influence of Rapid Technological Growth
Unmanned systems
New materials
Robotics
3-D printing
Low-cost sensors
Artificial intelligence
The third interrelated force is the increasing rate of technological creation and adoption. Novel uses for unmanned aerial, surface and undersea vehicles, increasingly sophisticated robotics, energy storage, 3-D printing, and networks of low-cost sensors, to name just a few examples, are changing almost every facet of how we work and live. As technology is introduced at an accelerating rate, it is being adopted by society just as fast – people are using these new tools as quickly as they are introduced, and in new and novel ways.
Our success at sea relies on having the best-trained force, rapidly learning and improving how we operate, at every level. Capitalizing on these new technologies means that we must incorporate the concept of “high-velocity learning” – in other words, applying the best concepts and techniques to accelerate how we learn as individuals and as an organization.
PICTURE: SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 1, 2015) An MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 performs ground turns aboard the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3). Fort Worth is on a 16-month rotational deployment in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Conor Minto/Released)

7. Maintaining Maritime Superiority
How We Stay Ahead:
Maintaining Maritime Superiority
Strengthen naval power at and from the sea
Achieve high-velocity learning at every level
Strengthen our Navy team for the future
Expand and strengthening our network of partners
…Or, why we’re the right team to lead the future.
Lines of Effort
Strengthen Naval Power at and from Sea: We must maintain a fleet that is trained and ready to fight and win decisively – from the deep ocean to the littorals, from the sea floors to space, and in the information domain. Our fleet features a number of superior platforms, from the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, capable of missions including surface strike and ballistic missile defense…to the Ohio-class guided missile submarine, which can carry out tasks such as Tomahawk missile strikes and special warfare missions.
Achieve High Velocity Learning: We apply the best concepts, techniques, and technologies to accelerate learning as individuals, teams, and organizations. We clearly set the objective, knowing the theoretical limits of performance; our goals are aspirational. We embrace the lessons of history so we do not repeat mistakes. We see what we can accomplish without additional resources. During execution, we routinely conduct rigorous self-assessments, and make our procedures inherently receptive to innovation and security.
Strengthen our Navy Team for the Future: We are one Navy Team – comprised of a diverse mix of Active Duty and Reserve Sailors, Navy civilians, and our families. We build on this history with honor to create a climate of operational excellence that will keep us ready to prevail in all future challenges.
Expand and Strengthen our Network of Partners: We strive to deepen our operational relationships with other services, agencies, industry, allies, and partners who operate with the Navy to support our shared interests.
PICTURE: SOUDA BAY, Greece (April 3, 2016) The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) pulls into Souda Bay, Greece. (U.S. Navy photo by Heather Judkins/Released)

8. Where We Are: Global Engagement Force
U.S. Naval Forces Europe
Operation Odyssey Lightning
Theater Security Cooperation
NATO Support
Black Sea Operations
Ballistic Missile Defense
U.S. Pacific Fleet
Forward Deployed Naval Force
Strategic Presence
South China Sea Interactions
Pacific Partnership
Ballistic Missile Defense
Theater Security Cooperation
U.S. Fleet Forces
Standing Naval Forces Atlantic
Ballistic Missile Defense
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
Operation Inherent Resolve
Maritime Security Ops
Counter-Piracy Ops
Ballistic Missile Defense
U.S. Naval Forces Africa
Africa Partnership Station
Counter-Piracy Ops
Counter-Terrorism Ops
Maritime Security Ops
U.S. Naval Forces
Southern Command
Counter-Narcotics Ops
Southern Partnership Station
Today, there are 273 ships in the Navy’s battle force, 88 of which are forward deployed in such locations as Japan, Bahrain, Spain and Guam. Of the Navy’s 400,000 active and Reserve Sailors, more than 70,000 are forward deployed to support our operations around the globe.
Here are a few recent examples of the types of missions your Navy carries out every day:
Currently, the Navy is supporting two operations against the Islamic State (ISIL) in the U.S. Fifth Fleet and Sixth Fleet areas of responsibility.
OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE is the name given to our current operations against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, including air strikes and maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf. Aircraft from the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group in the Arabian Gulf conducted air strikes against ISIL militants during the summer and fall.
OPERATION ODYSSEY LIGHTNING is the designation for operations against Islamic State militants in Libya. USS WASP (LHD 1) recently conducted counter-ISIL efforts this fall with air strikes launched from the Mediterranean Sea.
Maritime security operations are also a major part of our operations around the world, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. Earlier this year, the coastal patrol ship USS SIROCCO (PC 6) intercepted and seized a shipment of weapons hidden aboard a small, stateless dhow. The illicit cargo, which the U.S. assessed originated in Iran and was likely bound for Houthi insurgents in Yemen, included 1,500 AK-47s, 200 RPG launchers and caliber machine guns.
In addition to anti-ISIL operations, Navy ships regularly patrol the Sixth Fleet area of operations. USS ROSS (DDG 71) and USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) both conducted patrols this year with NATO partners, participating in navigational and ballistic missile defense exercises.
As you are aware, the Navy has made operations in the Pacific a major point of emphasis in recent years. The USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group and USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6) Expeditionary Strike Group are forward deployed in Japan and regularly operate in the Western Pacific, both by themselves and with our allies in the region.
The Navy’s successful PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP deployments wrapped up their 11th year in 2016 with the hospital ship USNS MERCY (T-AH 19) completing its mission in the Western Pacific. MERCY conducted stops in Timor Leste, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Palau, with medical and civil engineering teams collaborating with partner nations in subject matter expert exchanges, humanitarian and disaster relief exercises and community relations projects.
Closer to home, the Navy is partnering with Central and South American navies in OPERATION MARTILLO, a joint international law-enforcement and military operation involving U.S., European and Western Hemisphere partner nations. USS SHAMAL (PC 13), one of the Navy’s assets participating in MARTILLO, conducted its third counter-illicit trafficking patrol from June to August, assisting in five joint interdictions that resulted in the seizure or jettison of almost 1,500 kilos of cocaine and the apprehension of six detainees.
During all of these operations, the Navy continues to examine the way we operate and look for ways to improve our energy efficiency and reduce dependence on outside fuel sources. The most visible of these efforts has been the Great Green Fleet initiative, first implemented in 2016 by the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group in the Pacific and the EISENHOWER Strike Group in the Atlantic. The Great Green Fleet emphasizes use of energy conservation measures as a key combat enabler to allow ships to go farther, stay longer and deliver more firepower.
Partnerships are essential to the stability of global systems
Deterrence is a fundamental military function

9. Delivering Service 24/7/365 Navy Personnel Ships and Submarines
Active Duty: 322,390 (Officers: 53,696, Enlisted: 264,320, Midshipmen: 4,374)
Ready Reserve: 109,079 [As of Mar 2017] (Selected Reserves: 58,033, Individual Ready Reserve: 51,046)
Reserves currently mobilized: 3,054 [As of Apr 2017]
Navy Department Civilian Employees: 210,966
Ships and Submarines
Deployable Battle Force Ships: (Ships Deployed: 51 (19%), Ships Underway for Local Ops / Training (USFF / 3rd Fleet): 34 (12%)
Ships Underway
Underway Aircraft Carriers:
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - Pacific
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) – 7th Fleet
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - Pacific
USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) – 5th Fleet
Underway Amphibious Assault Ships:
USS Bataan (LHA 5) – 5th Fleet
USS Makin Island (LHD 8) – 7th Fleet
Aircraft (operational): 3700+

10. “If it floats, it fights!”
Surface Force
“If it floats, it fights!”
Combat Readiness
We rededicate ourselves to the Profession of Surface Warfare, and we recognize the challenge posed by those who wish to deny the freedom of the world’s oceans. Projecting power from the sea thousands of miles from our own shores is this Navy’s primary competitive advantage over all other navies. In order to do so, we must control the sea and the air above it, where it matters, when it matters. We will:
* Integrate more effectively with the U.S. Marine Corps; cooperation is insufficient. The Marines and the Surface Force together are a mobile, lethal, flexible instrument of national power, unequalled in reach and scope.
* Focus on the fundamentals of Surface Warfare by standing up the Naval Surface Warfighting Development Center (NSWDC) and proliferating Surface Weapons Tactics Instructors (WTI) in key billets throughout the Force, throughout all of our core competencies.
* Distribute lethality throughout the Fleet, increasing combat power on each ship while ensuring those ships are more capable of operating in dispersed and network-denied environments.
* Identify those requirements on our ships that are not directly related to warfighting proficiency and evaluate their usefulness. Where possible, they will be modified, reduced, or eliminated.
* Expand the role of small surface combatants and reconfigurable support ships in order to provide the correct mix of capabilities that can be employed across the full spectrum of conflict.
* Embrace experimentation and innovation by accepting additional risk in order to push technology to the Fleet faster.
Material Readiness
We will continue to send ready ships forward, and we will work to ensure our ships receive the maintenance they need to reach their estimated service lives. In order to stay ahead of the deepening threats, we will modernize our ships and advocate for changes in ship design that enable more efficient and less intrusive modernization. We will:
* Encourage and reward consistent and realistic readiness reporting within the Surface Force.
* Continue to more completely understand the scope of lifecycle maintenance requirements on our ships and fund that maintenance accordingly.
* Collaborate with the Systems Commands and with industry to encourage flexibility and modularity into future ship designs, in order to reduce long and intrusive overhauls while encouraging timely, regular modernization.
Personal Readiness
We value the time and skill of our Sailors, we provide the resources, tools and training necessary for mission accomplishment, and we recognize the sacrifices made by our people and their families. We recognize the foundational importance of COMMAND, and we expect our Commanding Officers to do just that. We expect of, and receive from each other, the highest levels of professionalism and courtesy. Our pride in our ships and ourselves is justified by our performance and our professionalism. We will:
* Strive to ensure the centrality of Command at Sea to the health and vibrance of the Force.
* Man our ships to the degree necessary to accomplish the mission.
* Ensure our Sailors receive the training they need to perform their mission.
* Solicit Surface Force input for common-sense revisions to evaluation and promotion systems, and then advocate for those revisions.
* Respect the laws and customs of our society, and the dignity of every individual.
* Tolerate no discrimination, hazing, or harassment.
* Reward innovators and calculated risk takers, and eliminate any vestige of a “zero-defect” in our profession.
* Communicate early and often; always tell the truth no matter how difficult it might be to deliver or hear.
* Eliminate distractions and burdens that detract from the pursuit of warfighting excellence.
The Surface Force is the Navy’s face to the world, a helping hand to those in need, and a powerful, ever-present reminder of our Nation’s resolve and might. Our responsibilities are great, but so are our capabilities and talents. We recognize that while we are members of the world’s finest Navy, we can always do better.
SURFACE FORCE FIRST PRINCIPLES
What do we truly value as Surface Warriors?
The Surface Force is a sea-centric, warfighting culture of ethical leadership and professional expertise. We must be guided by the following principles:
1) Warfighting Readiness of Our Forces – As a seafaring community, Service at Sea is at the core of the Surface Warfare profession, for Officers and Enlisted alike. We have a “train like you fight” mentality and training at sea is the best way to hone our warfighting capability. Qualifying and serving on the watch bill in a warfare position at sea should be the goal of every Surface Warrior. We value:
* Continued and improved Integration with the Marine Corps.
* Development of our Officers into bold, confident, competent and accountable leaders prepared for Command at Sea.
* Continuous improvement in the Technical and Tactical Expertise of our force.
* Lethality in our Ships’ weapons system to engage and defeat the enemy.
* Investment in the Material Readiness and Modernization of our Ships.
2) Our People –Trained, Growing, Innovative – Our ships require well trained and ready Sailors to command and fight them. We value individual growth and providing the ability for every Sailor to achieve their full potential. We value:
* Rigorous Training and Education, both in port and at sea.
* Continued emphasis on reducing distractions and removing the burdens that prevent Sailors from sharpening their warfighting skills.
* Professional career progression blended with desired personal growth that results in a better trained force.
* Maximizing the Diversity of Ideas found in our people for the benefit of the Force.
* Innovative ideas from an actively and intellectually engaged junior officer corps and enlisted community.
3) Integrity – Our focus on Warfighting will be fully realized if our leaders are trusted by those who are putting lives on the line to accomplish the mission. Uncompromising standards are the foundation of integrity. We value:
* Leaders who abide by strict standards of honesty and accuracy.
* Accuracy in reporting and honesty in assessment to gain a full understanding of the root causes of our problems in order to apply lessons and grow as a Force.
* Procedural compliance to safely and effectively operate our increasingly complex warships.
* Constructive feedback up and down the chain of command. Speak truth to power.
Our Mission is warfighting and winning at sea. Surface Warfare is the integrator in today’s warfighting disciplines from the tactical to the theater level. The focus of visible U.S. military power and presence is the combat–ready warship operating forward. Therefore, the success of U.S. military power hinges on our surface combatants. They must be crewed by Warfighters and Commanded by the most skilled and trusted leaders we have.

11. (LHD/LHA) Amphibious Assault Ships
General Purpose Amphibious Assault Ships - LHA/LHA(R)  
Description The largest of all amphibious warfare ships; resembles a small aircraft carrier; capable of Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing (V/STOL), Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL), Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) tilt-rotor and Rotary Wing (RW) aircraft operations; contains a well deck to support use of Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) and other watercraft (with exception of the first two LHA(R) class ships, LHA 6 and LHA 7, which have no well deck).
Features Modern U.S. Navy Amphibious Assault Ships project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) / Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). A key element of the Seapower 21 pillars of Sea Strike and Sea Basing, these ships transport and land elements of the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) or Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) with a combination of aircraft and landing craft. The Tarawa-class LHAs provide the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement by helicopter in addition to movement by landing craft. Three LHAs — which have extensive storage capacity and can accommodate Landing Craft Utility (LCU) and LCAC craft — were active during Operations Desert Shield / Storm. Since that time, LHAs have been participants in major humanitarian-assistance, occupation and combat operations in which the United States has been involved. Such operations have included participating as launch platforms for Marine Corps expeditionary forces into Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 and 2002, Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and humanitarian support after the catastrophic Tsunami in 2004. In 2004, LHAs were used to transport thousands of Marines and their equipment to Iraq and Afghanistan for combat operations. LHA 6 was placed under contract in June 2007 with NGSB. LHA 6 will be an aviation-centric modified repeat of the USS Makin Island, LHD 8 and is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in Key differences between LHA 6 and the LHD class ships include an enlarged hangar deck, enhanced aviation maintenance facilities, increased aviation fuel capacity, additional aviation storerooms, removal of the well deck, and an electronically reconfigurable C4ISR suite. Three of the original five Tarawa-class LHAs were recently decommissioned: USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) in October 2005, USS Saipan (LHA 2) in April 2007 and USS Tarawa (LHA 1) in March  
Background Amphibious warships are designed to support the Marine Corps tenets of Operational Maneuver From the Sea (OMFTS) and Ship to Objective Maneuver (STOM). They must be able to sail in harm’s way and provide a rapid buildup of combat power ashore in the face of opposition. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to also support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice. The United States maintains the largest and most capable amphibious force in the world.  The USS America, LHA Replacement or LHA(R) is the next step in the incremental development of the “Big Deck Amphib”. She is being designed to accommodate the Marine Corps’ future Air Combat Element (ACE) including F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and MV-22 Osprey with additional aviation maintenance capability and increased fuel capacities, while also providing additional cargo stowage capacities and enabling a broader, more flexible Command and Control capability.  
Program Status LHAs 4 & 5 are in-service. LHA 6 (America) is planned for delivery to the Fleet in A keel authentication ceremony for the future USS America (LHA 6) was held July 17, 2009, at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding’s Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. 
Point Of Contact Corporate Communications Office Naval Sea Systems Command (SEA 00D) Washington, D.C  
General Characteristics, Tarawa Class
Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, MS.
Date Deployed: May 29, 1976 (USS Tarawa)
Propulsion: Two boilers, two geared steam turbines, two shafts, 70,000 total shaft horsepower.
Length: 820 feet (249.9 meters).
Beam: 106 feet (31.8 meters).
Displacement: 39,400 tons (40,032 metric tons) full load.
Speed: 24 knots (27.6 miles per hour).
Crew: Ships Company: 82 officers, 882 enlisted Marine Detachment 1,900 plus.
Armament: Two RAM launchers; two Phalanx 20 mm CIWS mount; three .50 cal. machine guns; four 25 mm Mk 38 machine guns.
Aircraft: 12 CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters; 4 CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters; 6 AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft; 3 UH-1N Huey helicopters; 4 AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters.
Landing/Attack Craft: 4 LCUs or 2 LCUs and 1 LCAC. 
General Characteristics, LHA(R) Class LHA (6) - America Class Builder: Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Ingalls Operations, Pascagoula, MS.
Date Deployed: Scheduled for delivery to the fleet in 2013.
Propulsion: Two marine gas turbines, two shafts, 70,000 total brake horsepower, two 5,000 horsepower auxiliary propulsion motors.
Length: 844 feet (257.3 meters).
Beam: 106 feet (32.3 meters).
Displacement: Approximately 44,971 long tons full load (45,695 metric tons).
Speed: 20+ knots.
Crew: 1,059 (65 officers)
Load: 1,687 troops (plus 184 surge).
Armament: Two RAM launchers; two NATO Sea Sparrow launchers (with Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM)); two 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts; seven twin .50 cal. machine guns.
Aircraft: A mix of: F-35B Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) STOVL aircraft; MV-22 Osprey VTOL tiltrotors; CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters; UH-1Y Huey helicopters; AH-1Z Super Cobra helicopters; MH-60S Seahawk helicopters.
Homeport: PCU America (LHA 6), No homeport - under construction
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Multiple Purpose Amphibious Assault Ships - LHD
Description The largest of all amphibious warfare ships; resembles a small aircraft carrier; capable of Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing (V/STOL), Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL), Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) tilt-rotor and Rotary Wing (RW) aircraft operations; contains a well deck to support use of Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) and other watercraft (with exception of the first two LHA(R) class ships, LHA 6 and LHA 7, which have no well deck).  
Features Modern U.S. Navy Amphibious Assault Ships project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) / Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). A key element of the Seapower 21 pillars of Sea Strike and Sea Basing, these ships transport and land elements of the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) or Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) with a combination of aircraft and landing craft. The Wasp-class LHDs provide the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement by helicopter in addition to movement by landing craft. LHDs have been participants in major humanitarian-assistance, occupation and combat operations in which the United States has been involved. Such operations have included participating as launch platforms for Marine Corps expeditionary forces into Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 and 2002, Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and humanitarian support after the catastrophic Tsunami in During Operation Iraqi Freedom, two LHDs served as “Harrier carriers,” launching an air group of AV-8B attack aircraft against targets inside Iraq. In 2004, LHDs were used to transport thousands of Marines and their equipment to Iraq and Afghanistan for combat operations. Most recently, critical post Hurricane Katrina support was provided in New Orleans by LHD 7 (Iwo Jima) where thousands of police, fire and rescue personnel were hosted onboard during recovery operations and IWO JIMA operated as the central command and control hub. With delivery of Iwo Jima in 2001, the Navy and Marine Corps reached a desired force level of amphibious warfare ships — LHAs/LHDs, LPDs and LSD 41/49s — that provide fully capable Expeditionary Strike Groups to fulfill anticipated forward-presence and expeditionary requirements. The eighth LHD, Makin Island (LHD 8), was delivered to the Navy in April 2009, and commissioned in October LHD 8 differs from earlier ships of the class in that it is powered by gas turbine engines rather than steam turbines. LHD 8 is the first U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship to replace steam boilers with gas turbines, and the first Navy surface ship to be equipped with both gas turbines and an Auxiliary Propulsion System (APS). This unique auxiliary propulsion system is designed with fuel efficiency in mind. The APS uses two induction-type Auxiliary Propulsion Motors (APM) powered from the ship’s electrical grid instead of using main propulsion engines to power the ship’s shaft. Instead of using its gas turbines which are less efficient at lower speeds, the ship will be able to use its APS for roughly 75 percent of the time the ship is underway. Over the course of Makin Island’s lifecycle, the Navy expects to see a savings of more than $250 million. Because the gas turbines will be used infrequently, the Navy will also save on maintenance and lifecycle costs. The entire propulsion and electric system is controlled by a comprehensive machinery control system that also controls and monitors damage control, ballasting and de-ballasting, fuel fill and auxiliary machinery. The machinery control system allows the ship to switch from gas turbine to electric propulsion on the fly. It is fully distributed, accessible from multiple locations, and every console provides full system control and monitoring capabilities of the entire engineering plant.  
Background Amphibious warships are designed to support the Marine Corps tenets of Operational Maneuver From the Sea (OMFTS) and Ship to Objective Maneuver (STOM). They must be able to sail in harm’s way and provide a rapid buildup of combat power ashore in the face of opposition. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to also support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice. The United States maintains the largest and most capable amphibious force in the world. The Wasp-class LHDs are currently the largest amphibious ships in the world. The lead ship, USS Wasp (LHD 1) was commissioned in July 1989 in Norfolk, Va.  
Program Status LHDs 1-7 are in-service. LHD 8 commissioned Oct. 24,  
General Characteristics, Wasp Class Builder: Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Ingalls Operations, Pascagoula, MS.
Date Deployed: July 29, 1989 (USS Wasp)
Propulsion: (LHDs 1–7) two boilers, two geared steam turbines, two shafts, 70,000 total brake horsepower; (LHD 8) two gas turbines, two shafts; 70,000 total shaft horsepower, two 5,000 horsepower auxiliary propulsion motors.
Length: 844 feet (253.2 meters).
Displacement: LHDs 1-4: 40,650 tons full load (41,302.3 metric tons) LHDs 5-7: 40,358 tons full load (41,005.6 metric tons) LHD 8: 41,772 tons full load (42,442.3 metric tons).
Speed: 20+ knots (23.5+ miles per hour).
Crew: Ships Company: 66 officers, 1,004 enlisted LHD 8: 65 officers, 994 enlisted Marine Detachment: 1,687 troops (plus 184 surge).
Armament: Two RAM launchers; two NATO Sea Sparrow launchers; three 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts (two on LHD 5-8); four .50 cal. machine guns; four 25 mm Mk 38 machine guns (LHD 5-8 have three 25 mm Mk 38 machine guns).
Aircraft: 12 CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters; 4 CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters; 6 AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft; 3 UH-1N Huey helicopters; 4 AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters. (planned capability to embark MV-22 Osprey VTOL tilt-rotors).
Landing/Attack Craft: 3 LCACs or 2 LCUs.
The largest of all amphibious war ships, providing the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement by helicopter, tilt rotor aircraft and landing craft.

12. (LPD) Amphibious Transport Docks
Amphibious Transport Dock - LPD
 Description Amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport, and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.  
Features LPDs are used to transport and land Marines, their equipment and supplies by embarked air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles (EFV) or Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) augmented by helicopters or vertical take off and landing aircraft (MV 22). These ships support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions and can serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious ready groups.  
Background The ships of the LPD 17 class are a key element of the Navy’s seabase transformation. Collectively, these ships functionally replace over 41 ships (LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113, and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships) providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, seabased platforms that are networked, survivable, and built to operate with 21st century transformational platforms, such as the MV-22 Osprey, the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), and future means by which Marines are delivered ashore. A contract for final design and construction of San Antonio (LPD 17), the lead ship in the class, was awarded in December 1996; actual construction commenced in August USS San Antonio was delivered to the Navy in July LPDs have also been delivered to the Navy. New York is the first of three LPD 17-class ships built in honor of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The ship’s bow stem was constructed using 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center. The Navy named the 8th and 9th ships of the class -- Arlington and Somerset -- in honor of the victims of the attacks on the Pentagon and United Flight 93, respectively. Arlington and Somerset are also incorporating materials salvaged from those sites. LPDs are currently under construction at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB) on the Gulf Coast, and will deliver over the next few years. The Navy awarded a long lead time material contract to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding for LPD 26 in  
Point Of Contact Corporate Communications Office Naval Sea Systems Command (SEA 00D) Washington, D.C  
General Characteristics, San Antonio class Builder: Northrop Grumman Ships Systems, with Raytheon Systems Corporation and Intergraph Corporation.
Propulsion: Four sequentially turbocharged marine Colt-Pielstick Diesels, two shafts, 41,600 shaft horsepower.
Length: 684 feet (208.5 meters).
Beam: 105 feet (31.9 meters).
Displacement: Approximately 24,900 long tons (25,300 metric tons) full load.
Speed: In excess of 22 knots (24.2 mph, 38.7 kph).
Crew: Ship's Company: 360 Sailors (28 officers, 332 enlisted) and 3 Marines. Embarked Landing Force: 699 (66 officers, 633 enlisted); surge capacity to 800.
Armament: Two Bushmaster II 30 mm Close in Guns, fore and aft; two Rolling Airframe Missile launchers, fore and aft: ten .50 calibre machine guns.
Aircraft: Launch or land two CH53E Super Stallion helicopters or two MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft or up to four CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, AH-1 or UH-1 helicopters.
Landing/Attack Craft: Two LCACs or one LCU; and 14 Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles/Amphibious Assault Vehicles.
Warships that embark, transport, and land up to 900 Marines, their equipment, and supplies by helicopter and landing craft.

13. (LSD) Dock Landing Ships
Dock Landing Ship - LSD
Description Dock Landing Ships support amphibious operations including landings via Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft and helicopters, onto hostile shores. 
Background These ships transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles with their crews and embarked personnel in amphibious assault operations. LSD 41 was designed specifically to operate LCAC vessels. It has the largest capacity for these landing craft (four) of any U.S. Navy amphibious platform. It will also provide docking and repair services for LCACs and for conventional landing craft. In 1987, the Navy requested $324.2 million to fund one LSD 49 (Cargo Variant). The ship differs from the original LSD 41 by reducing its number of LCACs to two in favor of additional cargo capacity. 
Point Of Contact Corporate Communications Office Naval Sea Systems Command (SEA 00D) Washington, D.C  
General Characteristics, Whidbey Island Class Builder: Lockheed Shipbuilding, Seattle, Wa. - LSD Avondale Shipyards, New Orleans, LA - LSD 44 - LSD 48.
Date Deployed: Feb. 9, 1985 (USS Whidbey Island)
Propulsion: Four Colt Industries, 16 Cylinder Diesels, two shafts, 33,000 shaft horsepower.
Length: 609 feet (185.6 meters).
Beam: 84 feet.
Displacement: 15,939 tons (16, metric tons) full load.
Speed: 20+ knots (23.5+ miles per hour).
Crew: Ships Company: 22 officers, 391 enlisted; Marine Detachment: 402 plus 102 surge.
Armament: Two 25mm MK 38 Machine Guns; Two 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts and Six .50 cal. machine guns, two Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) mounts.
Landing/Attack Craft: Four Landing Craft, Air Cushion. 
General Characteristics, Harpers Ferry Class Builder: Avondale Industries Inc., New Orleans, LA.
Date Deployed: 7 January 1995 (USS Harpers Ferry)
Displacement: 16,708 tons (16, metric tons) full load.
Crew: Ships Company: 22 officers, 397 enlisted; Marine Detachment: 402 plus 102 surge.
Armament: Two 25mm MK 38 Machine Guns, Two 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts and Six .50 cal. machine guns, two Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) mounts.
Landing/Attack Craft: Two Landing Craft, Air Cushion.
Transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles with their crews and embarked personnel onto hostile shores.

14. Cruisers
(CG)
Cruisers - CG
Description Large combat vessel with multiple target response capability. 
Features Modern U.S. Navy guided missile cruisers perform primarily in a Battle Force role. These ships are multi-mission [Air Warfare (AW), Undersea Warfare (USW), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) and Surface Warfare (SUW)] surface combatants capable of supporting carrier battle groups, amphibious forces, or of operating independently and as flagships of surface action groups. Cruisers are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles giving them additional long range Strike Warfare (STRW) capability. Some Aegis Cruisers have been outfitted with a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability. 
Background Technological advances in the Standard Missile coupled with the Aegis combat system in the Ticonderoga class Cruisers have increased the AAW capability of surface combatants to pinpoint accuracy from wave-top to zenith. The addition of Tomahawk in the CG-47 has vastly complicated unit target planning for any potential enemy and returned an offensive strike role to the surface forces that seemed to have been lost to air power at Pearl Harbor. The lead ship of the class, USS Ticonderoga (CG 47) through CG-51 have been decommissioned. Over the next several years, 22 Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers will undergo a structured modernization to ensure they reach their projected 35-year service life. Cruiser Modernization program aims to improve the CG-47 Ticonderoga class by modernizing the computing and display infrastructure, and the Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) systems. Weapons and sensor sets will also be improved, in order to upgrade their anti-submarine capabilities, add short range electro-optical systems that can monitor the ship’s surroundings without the use of radar emissions, as well as routine machinery upgrades to improve all areas of ship functionality. The modernized cruisers are expected to become more cost efficient to operate, as their lives are extended to serve in the fleet through the year  
Point Of Contact Corporate Communications Office Naval Sea Systems Command (SEA 00D) Washington, D.C  
General Characteristics, Ticonderoga Class Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding: CG 47-50, CG 52-57, 59, 62, 65-66, 68-69, Bath Iron Works: CG 51, 58, 60-61, 63-64, 67, 70.
Date Deployed: 22 January 1983 (USS Ticonderoga)
Unit Cost: About $1 billion each.
Propulsion: 4 General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines; 2 shafts, 80,000 shaft horsepower total.
Length: 567 feet.
Beam: 55 feet.
Displacement: 9,600 tons (9, metric tons) full load.
Speed: 30 plus knots.
Crew: 24 Officers, 340 Enlisted.
Armament: MK41 vertical launching system Standard Missile (MR); Vertical Launch ASROC (VLA) Missile; Tomahawk Cruise Missile; Six MK-46 torpedoes (from two triple mounts); Two MK 45 5-inch/54 caliber lightweight guns; Two Phalanx close-in-weapons systems.
Aircraft: Two SH-60 Seahawk (LAMPS III).
Large combat ships equipped with Tomahawk missiles; some also have Ballistic Missile Defense systems.

15. (DDG) Destroyers Provide multi-mission
DDG 51 Class Features
AEGIS Weapons System (AWS) including SPY-1 Radar, 96 cell MK 41 VLS, MK 99 Fire Control System
AN/SQQ-89 Sonar
MK 45 5" Gun for ASuW, AAW), and land attack (NSFS) targets
25mm CIWS and MK 38 self-defense guns
SLQ-32 or SEWIP Electronics warfare system
Helo landing capability (DDG 51-78); Dual Hangars for organic Helo support (DDG 79 and follow)
Four Gas Turbine Engines driving twin controllable propellers
Three SSGTG (Ship Service Gas Turbine Generators)
Robust, redundant, and survivable design with low signature requirements
DDG 1000 Class Features
Eighty Advanced Vertical Launch System (AVLS) cells, two 155 millimeter (mm) Advanced Gun System (AGS), and two 30mm Close In Guns (CIGS)
A boat bay and stern boat ramp for two 7 meter (m) Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), designed with room for two 11m RHIBs
Aviation capacity for two MH-60R or one MH-60R and three Vertical Take-off Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
It will be powered by an Integrated Power System (IPS) with propulsion via Advanced Induction Motors (AIM) and electrical distribution through the Integrated Fight Through Power (IFTP) system
A superstructure with integrated apertures and low signature profile
Advanced sensors including a SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar
A wave-piercing "Tumblehome" hull form
Arleigh Burke Class (DDG 51) Background
Technological advances have improved the capability of modern destroyers culminating in the Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) class replacing the older Charles F. Adams and Farragut class guided missile destroyers. Like the larger Ticonderoga-class cruisers, DDG 51's combat capability centers around the Aegis Weapon System (AWS). AWS is composed of the SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar, advanced AAW and ASW systems, VLS, and the Tomahawk Weapon System. These advances allow the Arleigh Burke-class to continue the revolution at sea.
The Arleigh Burke class employs all-steel construction and is comprised of three separate variants or "Flights": DDG represent the original design and are designated Flight I ships; DDG are Flight II ships; DDG 79 and Follow ships are built or are being built to the Flight IIA design. The Flight III baseline is planned for the second ship in FY16.
Sixty two ships are currently operating in the Fleet. An additional thirteen ships are under contract, including the most recent contract award on June 3, 2013 for nine ships as part of the FY13-17 multi-year procurement contracts with Huntington Ingalls Industries and Bath Iron Works.
Like most modern U.S. surface combatants, DDG 51 utilizes gas turbine propulsion. Employing four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbines to produce 100,000 total shaft horsepower via a dual shaft design, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are capable of achieving 30 plus knot speeds in open seas.
The Flight IIA design includes the addition of the Kingfisher mine-avoidance capability, a pair of helicopter hangars which provide the ability to deploy with two organic Lamps MK III MH-60 helicopters, blast-hardened bulkheads, distributed electrical system and advanced networked systems. Additionally, DDGs provide accommodations for the A/N WLD-1 Remote Mine-hunting System. The first Flight IIA, USS Oscar Austin, was commissioned in August 2000.
A DDG modernization program is underway to provide a comprehensive mid-life upgrade that will ensure the DDG 51 class will maintain mission relevance and remain an integral part of the Navy's Sea Power 21 Plan. The modernization changes are also being introduced to new construction ships to increase the baseline capabilities of the newest ships in the class, and to provide commonality between new construction ships and modernized in-service ships. The goal of the DDG modernization effort is to reduce workload requirements and increase war fighting capabilities while reducing total ownership cost to the Navy. In-service ships can be modernized by two distinct packages - Combat Systems (C/S) and Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) upgrades. The HM&E package includes new Gigabit Ethernet connectivity in the engineering plant and a Digital Video Surveillance System (DVSS), along with the Integrated Bridge Navigation System (IBNS), an Advanced Galley, and other habitability modifications. A complete Open Architecture computing environment is the foundation for ships receiving the C/S war fighting improvements. This upgrade plan consists of a new Multi-Mission Signal Processor to accommodate additional Ballistic Missile Defense capability and an improvement to radar performance in the littoral regions. Additional upgrades include: Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), CIWS Blk 1B, SEWIP, and NULKA. The Arleigh Burke-class MK-41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) will be upgraded to support SM-3 and newer variants of the SM missile family. Throughout their expected service life, DDG 51 destroyers will continue to provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities with the added benefit of sea-based protection from the ballistic missile threat.
Zumwalt Class (DDG 1000) Background
Developed under the DD(X) destroyer program, the Zumwalt-class destroyer (DDG 1000) is the lead ship of a class of next-generation multi-mission surface combatants tailored for land attack and littoral dominance with capabilities that defeat current and projected threats. DDG 1000 will triple naval surface fires coverage as well as tripling capability against anti-ship cruise missiles. DDG 1000 has a 50-fold radar cross section reduction compared to current destroyers, improves strike group defense 10-fold and has 10 times the operating area in shallow water regions against mines. For today's warfighter, DDG 1000 fills an immediate and critical naval-warfare gap, meeting validated Marine Corps fire support requirements.
The multi-mission DDG 1000 is tailored for sustained operations in the littorals and land attack, and will provide independent forward presence and deterrence, support special operations forces, and operate as an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces. Its multi-mission design and littoral capabilities make it a 100 percent globally deployable asset to the Fleet.
Designed to combat the threats of today as well as those of coming decades, these ships are equipped with numerous advanced technology and survivability systems.
DDG 1000 is the first U.S. Navy surface combatant to employ an innovative and highly survivable Integrated Power System (IPS). Key design features that make the DDG 1000 IPS architecture unique include the ability to provide power to propulsion, ship's service, and combat system loads from the same gas turbine prime movers. DDG 1000's power allocation flexibility allows for potentially significant energy savings and is well-suited to enable future high energy weapons and sensors.
The wave-piercing Tumblehome ship design has provided a wide array of advancements. The composite superstructure significantly reduces cross section and acoustic output making the ship harder to detect by enemies at sea. The design also allows for optimal manning with a standard crew size of 175 sailors, with an air detachment of 28 thereby decreasing lifecycle operations and support costs.
DDG 1000 will employ active and passive sensors and a Multi-Function Radar (MFR) capable of conducting area air surveillance, including over-land, throughout the extremely difficult and cluttered sea-land interface.
Each ship features a battery of two Advanced Gun Systems (AGS) firing Long-Range Land Attack Projectiles (LRLAP) that reach up to 63 nautical miles, providing a three-fold range improvement in naval surface fires coverage.
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) is responsible for design, construction, integration, testing and delivery of the DDG 1000 class, and DDG 1002 steel deckhouse, hangar and aft Peripheral Vertical Launch System (PVLS). Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is responsible for the fabrication of the composite deckhouse, helo hangar and aft PVLS for DDG 1000 and DDG Raytheon is responsible for software development and integration with BAE providing the AGS and LRLAP.
PEO Ships and its industry partners worked diligently to mature the ship's design and ready industrial facilities to ensure this advanced surface combatant is built on cost and on schedule. At 85 percent complete, the DDG 1000 design was more mature at start of fabrication than any lead surface combatant in history.
The Navy intends to procure three Zumwalt-class destroyers which are named in honor of former Chief of Naval Operations, Elmo R. "Bud" Zumwalt Jr.
Construction on DDG 1000 (ZUMWALT) commenced in February Launch of the ship occurred on Oct. 29, The ship is currently conducting Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) test and trials with a subsequent period to follow for Combat and Mission System Equipment installation, activation and test to follow.
DDG 1001 was named MICHAEL MONSOOR in October 2008 by then-Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter, honoring Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Ramadi, Iraq, Sept. 29, DDG 1001 start of fabrication took place in October In July 2014, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) delivered the DDG 1001 composite deckhouse to the Navy.
In April 2012, DDG 1002 was named LYNDON B. JOHNSON by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. The selection of Lyndon B. Johnson honors the nation's 36th president and continues the Navy tradition of naming ships after presidents. DDG 1002 start of fabrication took place April 4, 2012.
defensive and offensive capabilities; many have Ballistic Missile Defense systems.
Provide multi-mission

16. (LCS) Littoral Combat Ships
Features
The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and Independence variant - designed and built by two industry teams, respectively led by Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. These seaframes will be outfitted with reconfigurable payloads, called Mission Packages, which can be changed out quickly. Mission packages are supported by special detachments that will deploy manned and unmanned vehicles and sensors in support of mine, undersea and surface warfare missions.
Background
Initiated in February 2002, the LCS program represents a significant reduction in time to acquire, design and build ships in comparison to any previous ship class. USS Freedom (LCS 1), was delivered to the Navy on Sept. 18, Freedom was constructed by a Lockheed Martin in the Marinette Marine Corporation's shipyard in Marinette, Wisc. USS Independence (LCS 2) was commissioned Jan. 16, 2010.
In 2007, after unsuccessful efforts to convert cost-plus to fixed price contracts, the Navy terminated contracts with Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics for what would have been LCS 3 and 4. In 2009, fixed price contracts were awarded to each prime contractor. Lockheed Martin has already commenced construction of USS Fort Worth (LCS 3). General Dynamics will build USS Coronado (LCS 4).
Effective competition between industry bidders to build the littoral combat ship (LCS) led the Navy November 3, 2010, to discuss with key Defense Committee members and their staff, as well as industry, the possibility of gaining congressional authorization to award each bidder a 10-ship block buy. The Navy's LCS acquisition strategy to down select to a single design resulted in a highly effective competition and an industry response that resulted in significant potential savings in the LCS program. These competitive bids, coupled with the Navy's desire to increase ship procurement rates to support operational requirements, created an opportunity to award each bidder a fixed-price, 10-ship block buy - a total of 20 ships from fiscal year 2010 to fiscal year 2015.
Point Of Contact: Office of Corporate Communication Naval Sea Systems Command (OOD) Washington, D.C
The Freedom variant
of the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) class is a high-speed, agile, shallow-draft and networked surface ship. The LCS 1 and follow-on ships (LCS 3, LCS 5, LCS 7, etc.) are open-ocean capable, but are designed to defeat growing littoral threats and provide access and dominance in the coastal water battlespace. A fast, maneuverable and networked surface combatant, LCS provides the required warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility to accomplish critical warfighting missions, including mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare with inherent capabilities that also support missions such as special operations and maritime interdiction.
The LCS delivers combat capability from core self-defense systems in concert with rapidly interchangeable, modular mission packages and an open architecture command and control system. The LCS aviation facilities and watercraft launch-and-recovery capability support focused mission packages outfitted with both manned and unmanned air, surface, and sub-surface vehicles. Reconfigurable spaces and weapons modules provide support service interfaces between mission package weapons, sensors and vehicles and the seaframe. Modularity maximizes the flexibility of LCS and enables commanders to meet changing warfare needs, while also supporting faster, easier technological updates. The LCS will be networked to share tactical information with aircraft, ships, submarines, joint and coalition units both at sea and on shore, and with LCS operating groups.
The Rolls Royce MT30 gas turbines on the Freedom variant are the largest of any surface combatant in the U.S. Navy. The flight deck is larger than those on U.S. Navy guided missile frigates, destroyers, and cruisers.
The Independence Variant
of the LCS Class is a high speed, agile, shallow draft and networked surface ship. The LCS 2 and follow (LCS 4, LCS 6 and LCS 8 etc) are open ocean capable ships, but are designed to defeat growing littoral threats and provide access and dominance in the coastal water battlespace. A fast, maneuverable and networked surface combatant, LCS provides the required warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility to accomplish critical warfighting missions including mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare with inherent capabilities that also support missions such as special operations and maritime interdiction.
LCS delivers combat capability from core self-defense systems in concert with rapidly interchangeable, modular mission packages and an open architecture command and control system. The LCS INDEPEDENCE Variant aviation facilities and watercraft launch and recovery capability support focused-mission packages outfitted with both manned and unmanned air, surface, and sub-surface vehicles. A mission bay and three weapons modules provide support service interfaces between mission package weapons, sensors and vehicles and the seaframe. Modularity maximizes the flexibility of LCS and enables commanders to meet changing warfare needs, while also supporting faster, easier technological updates. LCS will be networked to share tactical information with aircraft, ships, submarines, joint and coalition units both at sea and on shore, and with LCS operating groups.
The trimaran construction is unique to the US Navy and lends the USS Independence some unique characteristics. Its flight deck is the largest of any current surface combatant, and its hangar bay is able to hold two MH-60 helicopters.
Fast, agile, networked surface combatants designed to operate in the near-shore environment, while capable of open-ocean operations.

17. (MCM) Mine Countermeasure Ships
Description
Ships designed to clear mines from vital waterways.
Background
In the early 1980s, the U.S. Navy began development of a new mine countermeasures (MCM) force, which included two new classes of ships and minesweeping helicopters. The vital importance of a state-of-the-art mine countermeasures force was strongly underscored in the Persian Gulf during the eight years of the Iran-Iraq war, and in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991 when the Avenger (MCM 1) and Guardian (MCM 5) ships conducted MCM operations. To learn more about mine warfare visit the Commander Mine Warfare Command web site.
Avenger class ships are designed as mine sweepers/hunter-killers capable of finding, classifying and destroying moored and bottom mines. The last three MCM ships were purchased in 1990, bringing the total to 14 fully deployable, oceangoing Avenger class ships.
These ships use sonar and video systems, cable cutters and a mine detonating device that can be released and detonated by remote control. They are also capable of conventional sweeping measures. The ships are of fiberglass sheathed, wooden hull construction. They are the first large mine countermeasures ships built in the United States in nearly 27 years.
Point Of Contact: Office of Corporate Communication Naval Sea Systems Command (SEA 00D) Washington, D.C
Characteristics:
Builder - Peterson Shipbuilders, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.; Marinette Marine, Marinette, WI.
Date Deployed - Sept. 12, 1987 (USS Avenger)
Propulsion - 4 × Waukesha Motors Co. diesels (first two ships) or four Isotta Fraschini diesels (600 horsepower each), two shafts with controllable pitch propellers
Length feet (68.28 meters)
Hull - Wood covered by glass reinforced plasticBeam39 feet (11.89 meters)
Displacement - 1,312 tons (1, metric tons) full load
Draft - 13 feet
Speed - 14 knots (16.1 mph, kmph)
Crew - 8 officers, 76 enlisted
Armament - Mine neutralization system - Two .50 caliber machine guns, two M mm machine guns, two MK19 grenade launchers
Precise Integrated Navigation System (PINS) - one AN/SQQ-32 Mine Hunting Sonar, one AN/SPS-55 Surface Radar. one AN/WSN-2 Gyro Compass
Mine Countermeasure Equipment Suite - one AN/SLQ-48 (V) Mine Neutralization System, one AN/SQL-37 (V) 3 Magnetic/Acoustic Influence Minesweeping Gear, Oropesa type 0 size 1 Mechanical Sweep Equipment, MDG 1701 Marconi Magnetometer Degaussing System
Auxiliary Systems - three Isotta Fraschini ship service diesel generator sets, one solar gas turbine generator, one omni-thruster bow thruster system
Fiberglass sheathed, wooden hull ships that find, classify, and destroy mines in vital waterways.

18. Support Commands
“We stand ready with the ability to impose local sea control, overcome challenges to access, force entry, and project and sustain power ashore.”
ATGPAC provides dynamic, quality afloat training to Navy and Coast Guard Sailors to ensure a combat ready force capable of performing a broad spectrum of maritime missions.
COMCARSTRKGRU is the Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) to the carrier, air wing, destroyer squadron, and cruiser commanding officers assigned to the strike group.
DESRON is comprised three or more destroyers or frigates. A mixed unit including destroyers is the CRUDES group.
Commander Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific is a U.S. Navy command responsible for maintenance and training of the surface ships homeported in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii.
Assault Craft Unit’s mission is transporting, ship-to-shore and across the beach, personnel, weapons, equipment, and cargo of the assault elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
COMCMRON staffs conduct integrated MCM operations anywhere in the world. The Mine Countermeasures Squadrons serve as tactical MCM commanders, working directly with fleet commanders, as well as serving as immediate superior in command (ISIC) for their assigned MCMs and MHCs.
RSO PNW mission is to support TYCOM, Commander, Carrier Strike Group NINE and Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE (COMDESRON NINE) to achieve and maintain the highest level of engineering, combat systems, logistics, medical and personnel readiness for all Pacific Northwest homeported surface force ships and other ships as directed by Commander, Naval Surface Forces (COMNAVSURFOR) and to provide any necessary support to the ships remaining in continental United States area while COMDESRON NINE deploys.
BMU provides tactical components in support of amphibious operations. BMU deploys naval beach party teams in conjunction with expeditionary forces in order to provide beach and surf zone salvage and to
facilitate the landing and movement of troops, equipment and supplies over the beach.  BMU also assist with the evacuation of casualties, prisoners of war, and non combatants. 
Their task is to control the boat traffic for the smooth and efficient flow of personnel and materials over the beach while establishing visual and radio communications with the primary amphibious control ship.
SMWDC provides the fleet with tactically advanced, highly trained Surface Warfare Officers who are subject matter experts in the fields of Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), Amphibious, Combat and Mine Warfare operations in an effort to raise tactical training standards across the board.

19. Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
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ATGPAC provides dynamic, quality afloat training to Navy and Coast Guard Sailors to ensure a combat ready force capable of performing a broad spectrum of maritime missions.
COMCARSTRKGRU is the Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) to the carrier, air wing, destroyer squadron, and cruiser commanding officers assigned to the strike group.
DESRON is comprised three or more destroyers or frigates. A mixed unit including destroyers is the CRUDES group.
Commander Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific is a U.S. Navy command responsible for maintenance and training of the surface ships homeported in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii.
Assault Craft Unit’s mission is transporting, ship-to-shore and across the beach, personnel, weapons, equipment, and cargo of the assault elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
COMCMRON staffs conduct integrated MCM operations anywhere in the world. The Mine Countermeasures Squadrons serve as tactical MCM commanders, working directly with fleet commanders, as well as serving as immediate superior in command (ISIC) for their assigned MCMs and MHCs.
RSO PNW mission is to support TYCOM, Commander, Carrier Strike Group NINE and Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE (COMDESRON NINE) to achieve and maintain the highest level of engineering, combat systems, logistics, medical and personnel readiness for all Pacific Northwest homeported surface force ships and other ships as directed by Commander, Naval Surface Forces (COMNAVSURFOR) and to provide any necessary support to the ships remaining in continental United States area while COMDESRON NINE deploys.
BMU provides tactical components in support of amphibious operations. BMU deploys naval beach party teams in conjunction with expeditionary forces in order to provide beach and surf zone salvage and to
facilitate the landing and movement of troops, equipment and supplies over the beach.  BMU also assist with the evacuation of casualties, prisoners of war, and non combatants. 
Their task is to control the boat traffic for the smooth and efficient flow of personnel and materials over the beach while establishing visual and radio communications with the primary amphibious control ship.
SMWDC provides the fleet with tactically advanced, highly trained Surface Warfare Officers who are subject matter experts in the fields of Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), Amphibious, Combat and Mine Warfare operations in an effort to raise tactical training standards across the board.