The Navy has spent millions and millions of dollars to bring their ships up to speed with the new warships capable of moving through at high speeds. However, it seems like speed alone will do no good and now they have other plans. The Navy is now considering to trade speed with more power and weaponry for the upcoming ships.
According to director of surface warfare, Rear Adm. Peter Fanta, the main point is to enhance the offensive punch of these warships.
Fanta told the press, ?Each ship that I now have ? I have to make more lethal because I cannot build ships fast enough, or enough of them.?
Note that two versions of these warships were put into production. This was done to meet the Navy?s goal of faster ships that could operate in shallow coastal waters. The ships are now capable of going 50 mph. They utilize steerable waterjets unlike standard ships that use propellers and rudder to operate in shallow water.
Moreover, these ships are built to carry swappable mission modules in case of surface warfare, mine removal or anti-submarine duty. On the other hand, multi-mission ships such as the 610 foot Michael Monsoor can do a lot more.
According to Fanta, the Navy is learning from the initial deployments. They are now incorporating the changes into the newer versions of frigate.