According to American media, the United States may deploy 20 to 40 littoral combat ships (LCS) to the Pacific Naval Force. If the Asia Pacific Naval Force is dominated by LCS, then their contribution to combat effectiveness of U.S. military in Asia Pacific region will be questioned. After all, LCS is a type of light weapon – it can complete missions from anti-submarine to mine clearance, but it is not effective in direct confrontation with the enemy.
Stealth Warships Seem to be Impossible
The American media reports that a naval force containing numerous cruisers and destroyers can cause heavier damages to the enemy, compared to one dominated by LCS. A recent report states that the Zumwalt (DDG-1000) class destroyer, still under construction, will be deployed in the Asia Pacific region. According to the U.S. military, the ship’s low radar profile and advanced gun system will serve as the pillar of support for the U.S. military in future Asia Pacific wars. However, due to its high cost of $7 billion, they only plan to build three.
Furthermore, among the 11 U.S. aircraft carriers, six are deployed in the Pacific Ocean. The deactivation of the USS Enterprise is scheduled for this year. USS General R. Ford is scheduled to be deployed in the Pacific Ocean after 2015 to maintain the U.S. military’s advantage in terms of the number of aircraft carriers. In other words, U.S. will maintain the number of its aircraft carriers in Asia Pacific at six.
Effect of U.S. Seventh Fleet is More Direct
No matter how much military strength the U.S. Navy deploys to Asia Pacific, the U.S. Pacific Fleet that is long stationed in the region will surely benefit. More specifically, the U.S. Seventh and Third Fleet will be the biggest beneficiaries in this adjustment plan of U.S. Naval forces. Moreover, forces of change to the U.S. Seventh Fleet –whose scope of operations is closer to the countries in the Asia Pacific region – will affect the security of that region more directly.
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