powerful and survivable class of destroyers ever put to
sea. They possess the following capabilities:
AEGIS weapons system with the AN/SPY-1D
multi-function radar, capable of detecting and
tracking over one hundred targets sim-
ultaneously, while conducting multiple
engagements
The vertical launching system, capable of
storing and rapidly firing 90 missiles
The SQQ-89 antisubmarine warfare system with
its SQR-19 towed array sonar and the SQS-53C
digital hull-mounted sonar
The Harpoon antiship cruise missile system
The Tomahawk antiship and land attack cruise
missile system, capable of hitting targets
hundreds of miles away
Improved versions of the 5-inch gun and the
Phalanx close-in weapons system.
The Arleigh Burke class represents a return to
all-steel construction and incorporates electromagnetic
pulse hardening, enhanced firefighting features, and a
collective protection system to provide protection
against nuclear, chemical, or biological contamination.
This vital equipment is distributed through the ship,
giving the ship improved blast and fragmentation
protection, which lets them to survive a hit and continue
to fight.
Frigates.—The classification “frigate” designates
ships used for open-ocean escort and patrol. Frigates
resemble destroyers in appearance, but they are slower,
have only a single screw, and carry less armament.
Frigates are slowly being replaced by DDGs. The Oliver
Hazard Perry class is the only class of guided-missile
frigates still commissioned. The USS Ingraham
(FFG 61) (fig. 8-20) carries the following armament:
A single 76-mm, .62-caliber
Dual-purpose gun
A 20-mm Vulcan/Phalanx rapid-fire gun
A single launcher for Harpoon missiles
Two SH-60 LAMPS III helicopters
Two Mk 46 triple-torpedo tubes
Submarines.—The Navy deploys two classes of
submarines attack submarines (SSNs) and ballistic
missile submarines (SSBNs). The mission of nuclear
attack submarines (SSNs) is to locate and destroy
enemy ships and submarines. They also act as scouts,
deliver supplies and personnel to locations in enemy
territory, and perform rescue missions.
Fleet ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) deliver
ballistic missile attacks against assigned targets from
either a submerged or surfaced condition. Most of the
SSBNs are being converted to carry Trident missiles,
which have greater range and multiple warheads.
A new class of submarine, the Ohio class (fig. 8-21),
has been developed for the Trident missile. The Ohio
class is the largest undersea craft developed by the
Navy. It displaces 16,600 to 18,700 tons. The size of the
Trident submarine is dictated by the larger size missile
required for ranges of 4,000 to 6,000 miles and by the
larger reactor plant required to drive the ship. The
submarine has 24 tubes for the Trident missile and 4
torpedo tubes located in the bow.
A nuclear-powered attack submarine, like that of
the Sturgeon class, displaces 3,800 to 4,700 tons, can do
more than 20 knots, and has four torpedo tubes. The
newer Seawolf class fast-attack submarine displaces
about 9,137 tons, has four torpedo tubes, and can attain
speeds of over 35 knots (fig. 8-22). The Seawolf
performs a variety of crucial assignments, from
underneath the Arctic icepack to all regions anywhere in
the world. Its missions include surveillance,
intelligence collection, special warfare, covert
cruise-missile strike, mine warfare, and anti-submarine
and anti-surface ship warfare. The Seawolf’s stealth
characteristics make it the world’s quietest submarine.
Early submarines were named after marine life. The
first SSBNs, however, were given names of persons well
known in American history, like USS George
Washington, USS Patrick Henry, and USS Lafayette.
The new fast-attack submarines (SSNs) are named
after American cities, like the USS Los Angeles,
USSAlbuquerque, and USS Memphis. The Tridents
(SSBNs) are being named after American states, like
the USS Ohio and USS Michigan.
8-20
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