Today we will learn about the various ships you will be assigned to and the purpose they perform.
(1) AIRCRAFT CARRIER- 10 in operation . These ships can perform a 150 strikes at once and hitting 700 targets in a day. Here are few others points.
A. Used for search & rescue
B. Protect friendly forces
C. Conduct Electronic Warfare (jamming frequencies etc)
D. Carry Planes & Helicopters aboard
(2) AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT UNIT- 8 in operation. These ships are used by the Marines and are similar to an aircraft carrier but don’t have an angled flight deck.
(3) AMPHIBIOUS COMMAND SHIP- 2 in operation. The Navy utilizes these ships today primarily as a command & control headquarters.
(4) AMPHIBIOUS TRANSPORT DOCK- 9 in operation. These ships are used to transplant soldiers into combat operations utilizes landing aircraft but can use helicopters as well.
(5) DESTROYER- 62 in operations. Destroyers are Swift boats that can quickly come close to a large ship and launch a torpedo, then quickly escape.
(6) FRIGATES- 0 in operations. Frigates are smaller then a Destroyer and were used to protect others ships and can carrier anti submarine equipment. They are scheduled to have a comeback in the near future.
(7) LITTORAL COMBAT SHIPS- 3 in operation. These ships work close to the shore to protect from the shore land from any invasion or attack.
(8) DOCK LANDING SHIP- 8 in operation. These ships are similar to Amphibious Transport docks but have no aircraft aboard.
(9) SUBMARINES- 62 in operation. The Attack submarine is used to gather intelligence, launch cruise missiles and control naval/shipping activity. While the Ballistic submarine deals with nuclear deterrence but some are now equipped with cruise missiles instead.
(10) CRUISERS- 27 in operation. These ships are very versatile since they can conduct anti submarine missions, guided missile attacks, air warfare and even surface warfare.
(11) PATROL SHIPS- 13 in operation. Patrol Ships are designed to protect the coast but can be used for search and rescue missions as well.
(12) MINE COUNTERMEASURE SHIPS –11 in operation. Mine Operations Ships search and destroy any mines in a certain location.
Thank you wikipedia.org for much of this helpful information.