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#25
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Mike Burleson
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Dec 21, 2004 10:41 PST
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Greetings, and welcome to the final NAVY REVIEW for the year 2004. Today
we include a tale of the new Naval Race, along with International Navy
News, a Naval Biography, some little known Facts, and Sea Sites for
further info. Have a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Mike Burleson
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THE 21st CENTURY NAVAL RACE
At the dawn of the new millennium a naval race has been ongoing with
little attention from the mainstream press. The steady shrinking of the
US Fleet is common knowledge, but less is heard of the near completion
of the largest warship program since the Cold War, the ARLEIGH BURKE
(DDG-51) class of guided missile destroyers, which has placed America
far in the lead of this competition at sea.
The new battleship of the 21st Century is the missile armed surface
combatant, known under various labels throughout the world’s
battlefleets. Whether dubbed cruiser, destroyer, or frigate; all possess
surface-to-air (SAMs) and surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) usually in
a vertical-launch-system (VLS), controlled by an advanced and
sophisticated radar, the most powerful being the US Aegis System. Aegis
first went to sea with the TICONDEROGA class (CG-47) cruisers of the
1980’s. Beginning in the 1990’s and still in production are the ARLEIGH
BURKE destroyers, with 57 vessels in service or planned.
BURKE class warships are some of the most powerful vessels in history.
Each carries 90+ missiles in VLS including Tomahawk Land Attack
Missiles, Standard SM-2MR SAMs, and the Evolved Sea Sparrow SAM (ESSM).
Other weapons include Harpoon SSMs, a 5inch/54 caliber gun, and a 20mm
close-in-weapon support (CIWS). At 9217 tons, the BURKES are nearly as
large as cruisers, and equally as powerful.
A three nation collaboration of Britain, Italy, and France has resulted
in the Horizon Project, armed with their version of Aegis, the Principle
Anti-Aircraft Missile System (PAAMS).
Britain’s version, HMS DARING Type 45, is somewhat different than the
latter two nations’, after she opted out of the joint venture. Her ships
are some 7350 tons in weight, and carry 50-Aster 15 and Aster 30 SAMs.
Other weapons include 2x4 cell launcher for SSMs, a 114 mm gun, Merlin
EH101 helicopter, and Stingray torpedoes. HMS DARING is expected to be
ready by 2007, with a total of 8 ships planned.
France and Italy will build 2 ships each, also equipped with PAAMS and
48 missiles. France’s TOBIN is due in 2006, with Italy’s BERGAMINI
following in 2007. They are well armed vessels at 6700 tons, with Otomat
SSMs and 3x76mm 162 Rapid Fire cannons.
Other nations have also combined to build missile combatants, this time
with the American Aegis under the Trilateral Frigate Agreement. Three
nations: Germany, The Netherlands, and Spain signed the agreement in
1994.
Spain is constructing 4 ships of the ALVARO DE BAZAN (F100) class,
equipped with Aegis armed Standard SAMs in VLS, Harpoon SSMs in a 2x4
cell launcher, and a 20mm Meroka CIWS. The first of these 5800 ton
frigates was commissioned in 2002.
The new missile armed vessels from the Netherlands is the 4-ship DE
ZEVEN PROVINCIEN class. These are armed with a 40-cell VLS equipped with
ESSM and Standard SAMs, along with Harpoon SSMs. The ships are large, at
6050 tons, and also carry a 127mm main gun and 2 Goalkeeper CIWS.
The third partner of the Trilateral Frigate Agreement is Germany which
has ordered the SACHSEN class of 3 Air Defense Frigates. These are well
armed with ESSM and Standard SAMs fired from a 32 cell VLS, along with 2
RAM (Rolling Air-frame Missile) launchers, an OTO Melara 76mm cannon,
2x20mm CIWS and 2 NH90 heloes. The SACHSEN’s are scheduled to deploy an
advanced 155mm gun called MONARCH, which is based on a land based model.
Norway is building 5 frigates of the NANSEN class, a small ship at 4600
tons full load, but well armed with a home-built NSM cruise missile,
ESSM in VLS, Stingray torpedoes, and a NH90 ASW helicopter. They will be
received by the navy from 2005 to 2009.
India has acquired new warships of the TALWAR class constructed in
Russian shipyards. These 4000 ton vessels are equipped with the Club SSM
and Shtil SAMs. A larger class, the 6700 ton DELHI, is more formidable,
armed with 4 SS-N-25 Uran SSMs, an SS-N-7 Shtil SAM system, a 100mm gun
plus 4x30mm cannon, and 2 heloes. Up to four may built in Indian yards.
The naval race has expanded into Asia, with Australia, Japan, China,
South Korea, and Taiwan obtaining large and powerful missile ships.
Australia has yet to settle on a design for 3 missile destroyers,
whether a German SACHSEN, Spain’s BAZAN, or American ARLEIGH BURKE type.
It will certainly be armed with Aegis and geared toward the ABM
(anti-ballistic missile) mission. They will cost around $6 billion, with
delivery expected by 2013.
Japan already possesses the most potent non-American warships in the
Pacific, with the KONGO class. These 4 destroyers are based on the BURKE
class, but with a longer helo deck, a faster-firing 127mm gun, and a
more elaborate electronic warfare suite. They are 78 feet longer than
the American ships, 12 feet wider, and slightly larger at 9485 tons.
South Korea is planning 3 or 4 vessels called KDX III at 9000 tons each,
the first in 2008. They will probably carry the Standard SM2-MR in a 128
cell VLS.
Four KIDD class (DDG-963) destroyers, an improved US SPRUANCE design are
being refurbished for Taiwan. Though a non-Aegis ship, the KIDDS are
quite formidable with 2 launchers for Standard SAMs, 2x5 inch cannon,
2x20mm Phalanx CIWS, and 2 triple mounts for ASW torpedoes. At 9450 tons
each, they come with much room for improvements.
China has received 2 ex-Red Navy destroyers of the SOVREMENNY class.
These are 8480 ton ships armed with the SS-N-22 Shipwreck SSM. It also
carries 48 Shtil SAMs, a 130mm gun, and a Kamov helicopter. The PLAN may
acquire 2 more of these fearsome warships.
While Western missile ships are geared mainly for air defense and
overland attack, the Chinese see their ships as offensive in mission,
heavily armed with a surface strike capability. In this their tactics
reflect the theories of the defunct Soviet Fleet. China is still
stinging from a 1996 incursion by a US aircraft carrier into the Taiwan
Straits.
The American DDX gives us a glimpse of a future missile destroyer.
Electric drive, stealth features, armored VLS dispersed on deck, and
long range (up to 100 miles) cannon promises to increase the destroyer’s
versatility and keep it at the forefront of sea power.
Originally designed after World War 2 to protect Task Forces from air
attack, the missile armed warship is now entering a new era of
development. Though not yet superseding the aircraft carrier as the
primary capital ship in the world’s navies; advanced weapons,
propulsion, and sensors are giving destroyers, frigates, and cruisers
power projection and precision for 21st Century war at sea.
*********
FACT: Oscar, a black cat, was rescued by British sailors from the
battleship BISMARK. Later, he was saved from the torpedoed destroyer HMS
COSSACK, and again from the aircraft carrier ARK ROYAL when she was lost
in the Mediterranean.
*********
INTERNATIONAL NAVY NEWS
FEWER SUBS IN A DELCLINING FLEET. The future US Navy may have to rely on
fewer submarines, according to a Congressional report. With the fleet
size already below 300 vessels, the number of subs the Navy will be able
to support is apart of the decline. At present there are 54, and with
the current force expected to fall to 250 ships, the number of undersea
boats will drop to 37. While a fleet of 330 vessels is desirable to
Congress, this would be impossible under the current rate of
shipbuilding. Amphibious ships would also suffer in the reduction, with
only 24 ships from the current 36. The number of aircraft carriers would
only fall by 1, from the current 12.
INDIAN IDIGENOUS CARRIER. India’s first home-built aircraft carrier is
expected around 2011 or 2012, with the steel cutting beginning in March
of 2005, according to the Controller of Warship Production and
Acquisition. The vessel will weigh 37,500 tons and carry about 34
aircraft of various types. The Navy also wants more indigenous subs,
based on the French SCORPENE design. The Indians already possess two
home-built vessels, and hopes to build more in the near future.
LCS CONTRACT AWARDED. Lockheed Martin has received $188.2 million to
build the US Navy’s first Littoral Combat Ship. Only two years after
contracts were first awarded for initial designs, the first construction
plans are underway. Lockheed’s teammate, Marinette Marine, is expected
to have the first ship in the water by 2006.
Lockheed’s LCS is a semi-planing, monohull design. Weight is less than
3000 tons, with a sprint speed in excess of 50 knots. Armament will
include missiles, guns, mines, and unmanned vehicles. The ship will
carry mission modules which can swap quickly to support various
missions. These missions will be mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare,
anti-surface warfare, and support of Special Forces, all in the littoral
environment.
ISRAEL TO GET GERMAN SUBS. Israel will get 2 more DOLPHIN submarines
from Germany. Each vessel costs $350 million and is built by the Kiel
based HDW corporation. Israel already possesses 3 Dolphins from Germany,
which were donated by that country. Germany had previously refused any
more subs for Israel, after it was disclosed present IDF vessels were
armed with nuclear missiles. The DOLPHINS are among the world’s most
advanced non-nuclear submarines, at 1900 tons. They can cruise 8000
miles at 8 knots, with a top submerged speed of 20 knots.
CHINA TESTS MISSILE SUB. In a major step in China’s strategic arms
buildup, the navy has launched the new O94 ballistic missile submarine.
The sub, which carries the JL-2 undersea ballistic missile, is the
country’s first truly intercontinental nuclear delivery system. The sub
is thought to be based on Russian technology. Russia has sold much
advanced weapons to China in recent years in an effort to keep her own
arms industry afloat. The O94 was launched in July and is expected to be
fully operational in a year or two. This is far beyond Western estimates
which predicted the vessel’s delivery in 2010. Chinese experts call the
new submarine “an astounding development”. The JL-2 missile has a range
of 7500 miles, which could strike US targets without venturing from
Chinese waters.
*********
STRANGE SEA TALES
What the DAEDALUS Saw
In 1848, the Captain of the Royal Navy frigate HMS DAEDALUS sent a
detailed report of sighting a strange creature at sea: “With head and
shoulders kept about four feet constantly above the sea and at the very
least sixty feet of the animal a fleur d’eau (just above)… It passed
rapidly, but so close under our lee quarter that, had it been a man of
my acquaintance, I should have recognized his features with the naked
eye… The diameter of the serpent was about 15 or 16 inches behind the
head, which was without a doubt that of a snake.” Almost immediately
after the release of the report to the public, eminent scientist began
to pour scorn on the sighting, declaring it to be a large seal or a
whale. But the Captain of HMS DAEDALUS stuck to his guns, declaring
forthrightly “I adhere to the statements… in my official report to the
Admiralty”. A few months later he was supported in his sighting by the
captain of an American brig, the DAPHNE. In nearly the same location of
the Royal Navy ship, the crew of DAPHNE spotted a sea serpent nearly 100
feet long that bore some resemblance to the DAEDALUS sighting. When the
brig fired cannon at the creature, it was said to have escaped at the
rate of 15 or 16 knots.
Still doubts persisted, even more after two vessels declared they came
upon a mass of floating seaweed in the location of the sighting, which
they at first thought to be a sea monster. To this day the existence of
sea serpents has yet to be confirmed, though encounters continue
unabated. Up until the DAEDALUS account there had never been such a
detailed report from so official source as a Royal Navy officer.
*********
FACT: The custom of breaking wine or champagne to launch a ship comes
from the Vikings, who would break the backs of prisoners against a
vessel as an offering to the gods.
*********
MYTHS OF NELSON’S NAVY
* “Royal Navy ships of the age consisted mainly of press-ganged men”.
The majority of men who served in Nelson’s day were volunteers.
* “Any able-bodied male was vulnerable to the press gang”.
Press gangs didn’t waylay green recruits but scoured the ports for
experienced sailors.
* “The diet of British sailors consisted mainly of weevily biscuits and
tainted salt pork”.
Actually, ship captains took great pain to feed their crew fresh
vegetables and fruit, to keep them fit for battle and to prevent scurvy.
Many sailors ate better on board ship than ashore.
* “The Royal Navy of the day was a ‘man’s only’ club”.
There were more women among Nelson’s Fleet than today’s modern,
integrated navy. These included wives of ship’s captains, carpenter’s
mates, boatswains, ect.
* “British sailors fought mainly for ‘King and Country’”.
Due to the prize system of capturing enemy vessels, Royal Navy officers
fought as much for profit as patriotism. A lucky minority could become
rich from prizes at sea, which would be divided among the ship’s crew.
* “Officer’s of Nelson’s navy were exclusively from the British
aristocracy”.
The Navy offered the best chance of advancement to low-borne officers,
one of which was Lord Nelson.
*********
FACT: Ann Johnson died at the Battle of Copenhagen while serving with a
British gun crew.
NAVAL BIOGRAPHY
HECTOR C. BYWATER
Hector C. Bywater (1884-1940), British journalist, author, and spy could
claim the title “Heir of Mahan” because of his effect on naval strategy
before and during WW2. He is best remembered today for his fiction novel
“The Great Pacific War”, which prophesied a future war between Japan and
America. Hector was born in 1884 in N.E London, and turned an early
obsession with boats into a lifelong career of studying and writing
about naval affairs. At the age of 10 his family moved to America, where
the young Hector gained first-hand knowledge of the emerging US sea
power by frequent visits to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. At age 20 he became
a reporter for the New York Herald, and was soon off to London as the
paper’s European Naval Correspondent, about the time of the
Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905). Three years later he was working in
Germany, reporting on the country’s naval buildup. His articles soon
brought him to the attention of the British Secret Service, which hired
Hector as a spy. He remained in Germany until 1913, just as the
Anglo-German naval rivalry reached its peak. Throughout the First World
War, he continued in his capacity as a spy, ending the conflict as
Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy. After the war, his first
non-fiction analytical book “Sea Power in the Pacific” was published, on
the heels of the Washington Naval Conference in 1921. The book brought
him much attention in US naval circles as well as among the delegates to
the Conference. Hector became a much quoted and sought after naval
expert. Months before the Conference, an article by Hector appeared in
the Atlantic Monthly stating the US would propose a 5-5-3 ratio in
battleships for the US, Britain, and Japan. This was the correct
proportion finally agreed upon by the delegates in December, with great
reservations from Japan who received the smallest number. Hector then
broke another story that Japan would only agree to the ratio if America
promised not to fortify her Western Pacific bases in Guam and the
Philippines. Adding a person note, he warned against the US agreeing to
such and “insidious proposal”. One of Hector’s critics was the Assistant
Secretary of the Navy, Franklin Roosevelt. The future US President
disagreed that war with Japan was inevitable, or could even be carried
out successfully in the far reaches of the Pacific. Bywater considered
FDR “naïve”, and claimed America could successfully conduct a western
Pacific campaign if the correct strategy was followed. It was as a
rebuttal to Roosevelt that Hector published “The Great Pacific War” in
1925. Though a work of fiction, it was based on fact, and described a
naval war between Japan and the US in the 1930’s. In its description of
such a campaign, the book was prophetic on several accounts. The war
began with a Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, as eventually happened in
1941. The author even came close to the exact number of deaths after the
attack: 2500 to the actual 2403. Next, he correctly fore-told the
simultaneous invasions of Guam and the Philippines, even naming the
exact beaches for the Japanese landings. He also surmised accurately the
American Island-hopping campaign which finally proved the demise of the
Japanese Empire. This in stark contrast of the American War Plan Orange,
which called for bypassing Japan’s Central Pacific holdings, for the
short route to the Philippines. “The Great Pacific War” was a immense
success, and solidified Hector Bywater as an expert in naval affairs, as
well as making him rich. The effect of the book on naval thinking was
dramatic. In 1926, War Plan Orange was revised to include an
Island-hopping strategy as described by Hector. In Japan it was
initially criticized for foretelling a Japanese defeat, yet the overall
plan soon became official Japanese policy. A young Japanese naval
attaché in Washington at the time of publishing was Isoroku Yamamato,
who seemed to have adopted many of Hector’s ideas. Many of the novel’s
prophesies came true during Hector Bywater’s lifetime, including Japans
aggression in China, as well as the rise of radical warlords in the
government. His great triumph of foresight, the surprise attack on Pearl
Harbor came a year after his death from heart failure in 1940.
*********
FACT: In an attempt to dispel seamen’s superstition of sailing on
Friday, the British laid the keel of a ship on Friday, launched her on
Friday, and placed her in command of a Captain Friday. The vessel went
to sea and was never heard from again.
*********
SEA FIGHTS ON A SHOE STRING
Battle of the River Plate
Commodore Harwood of the British Royal Navy South American division had
come to a crucial conclusion. He had deducted the rogue German pocket
battleship ADMIRAL GRAFF SPEE would soon be off the crowded shipping
lanes of the River Plate. Setting sail with his three cruisers: AJAX,
ACHILLES, and EXETER, he intended to intercept the pride of the
Kreigsmarine. Compared to his thin-skinned warships, GRAFF SPEE was an
armored behemoth. She possessed a main armament of 6x11 inch guns, as
well as smaller but potent 5.9 and 4.1 inch cannon. Her sides were
protected by 5 ½ inches of armor. The largest weapons carried by the
British were 8 inch guns on the EXETER, but Commodore Harwood was
supremely confident in his sailors and ships. On December 13 1939 the
Commodore’s hunch proved sound. After investigating a suspicious vessel
off the River Plate, ACHILLES signaled the flagship AJAX “Enemy in sight
bearing 322 degrees”. GRAFF SPEE opened the fight by bracketing EXETER
with 11 inch shells. The cruiser soon was so badly damaged she was out
of the fight, while, AJAX and ACHILLES fired furiously with little
effect. GRAFF SPEE then turned from wounded EXETER to the remaining
cruisers. When the flagship was struck, the British withdrew. GRAFF SPEE
didn’t mind the lull in the fight. Though not hurt badly, the German
made smoke and departed at 24 knots. Admiral Harwood shadowed at a
distance, as the GRAFF SPEE made for the safe harbor of Montevideo,
Uruguay. While there, repairs were made and the wounded tended to.
Meantime the British began deceptive communications which led the
Germans to believe the carrier ARK ROYAL and the battlecruiser RENOWN
waited offshore. In fact, only the 3 wounded but determined cruisers
impeded the battleship’s freedom. Thinking herself hemmed in by a
superior force, the captain of GRAFF SPEE scuttled his ship in
Montevideo Harbor, committing suicide afterwards. Thanks to deception,
and a plucky Royal Navy squadron, Hitler had been deprived of a vital
commerce raider, and the sea lanes made a little safer for the allies.
*********
SEA SITES
DOLPHIN CLASS SUBMARINES
http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/dolphin/
LOCKHEED MARTIN LCS
http://www.lmlcsteam.com/profile.html
SEA SERPENTS
http://www.unmuseum.org/seasnake.htm
“THE GREAT PACIFIC WAR” REVIEW
http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.cgi?path=92411035011178
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