The heart of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke’s weapons and communications systems is in its Aegis radar system, which is more than capable of directing a variety of air defense against incoming targets and missiles. The Aegis system has proven to coordinate the defense of an entire naval surface group and protect powerful naval assets like the US Navy aircraft carriers, and with the new Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) the US Navy destroyer Arleigh Burkes can fire on targets at extended ranges, over the horizon using targeting data from platforms such as the E-2D Hawkeye. 5 Reasons No Nation Wants to Go to Fight with the U.S. Navy is the Arleigh Burke destroyer and for many more reasons. These systems when used in coordination with one another produces an amazing naval power on the water.
The United States Navy is the largest and most technologically advanced naval power in the world. With aircraft carriers, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, destroyers, unmanned helicopters and more. So when you are asked why no nation wants to fight with the US Navy then explain the top for 5 reasons for this. Not an easy task when you consider the arsenal the US Navy can bring to the table.
Amphibious warships and aircraft carriers will be left out of this discussion because they are the deadliest and we wanted to focus on the lesser known or more obvious naval weapons platforms. With the number of new technologies reaching the fleet now is a great time to take a look at these other weapons platforms.
5. Arleigh Burke Guided Missile Destroyer
Named after the legendary WW2 United States Navy Admiral the Burke, these US Navy warships are the most devastating and balanced ships developed by any nation at sea. With roughly 62 ships build, and more under construction, is the backbone of the fleet. With its Aegis missile systems can fire a variety of missiles depending on the situation at hand.
Towed sonar systems make the Burke highly effective in anti-submarine warfare as well. Size Mark-46 anti-submarine torpedoes also are on board as well.
A 5 Inch conventional (127mm) gun is mounted on the bow serving as an anti-ship, shore bombardment and a limited anti air role it is equipped with. Two R2D2 Phalanx guns are also on board used to shoot down incoming missiles, incoming missiles, small boats, unmanned helicopters and more.
4. E8-18G Growler
This electronic attack aircraft is based on the F-18 E Super Hornet, it has the electronic attack equipment with the performance ability of a jet fighter. Designed to accompany high performance fighter bombers on dangerous missions with its 2 seats with nearly 90% commonality with its F-18 Hornet.
3. Virginia Class Attack Submarine
One of the most successful and deadly naval assets since the Cold War, the Virginia class attack submarine with roughly 33 hulls being produced or planned. With its 12 vertical launch tubes capable of firing Tomahawk missiles, 4 533 millimeter torpedo tubes that launch Mark 48 torpedoes, mines, and lockout chambers for unmanned vehicle launches, SEAL equipment and for divers. Extensive sonar sweeps and surveillance missions are ideal for this stealthy and quiet submarine. The cost of the Virginia class also makes it an effective weapon in the US arsenal. At the low price of 2 billion per submarine this makes them far more effective than their Seawolf predecessor.
2. Ohio Class Cruise Missile Submarine
The SSGN’s of the US Navy for the Ohio, Michigan, Florida and Georgia are the ends of the Ohio class submarines are the most heavily armed ships in the world. Each carries 154 cruise missiles and carry up to 4 platoons of US Navy SEALs. Originally created as ballistic missile submarines, originally carrying 24 nuclear tipped D5 Trident missiles, now converted to firing 124 Tomahawk missiles.
The precise load out of each submarine is classified but consisted of several Block 3 and Block 4 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
1. USS Ponce LPD-15
An aging amphibious transport dock, The USS Ponce may seem like a strange item to be placed on this list of seemingly deadlier weapons except that this 46 year old afloat staging base and 1st ship to be armed with a laser, the USS Ponce and its laser is designed to take down unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters and slow-moving patrol aircraft. Per the Geneva Convention the laser will not target individual humans but all else is fair game. Since the writing of this article the USS Portland has been added to the list of US Navy warships equipped with a laser.
The United States Navy with its awesome array of weapons and highly trained Sailors is a force not to be contended with. There is a reason why no nation should go to war with the United States Navy. For over 15 years Navycrow.Com has been custom designing US Navy challenge coins for the United States Navy. Also offering hundreds of US Navy coins for collectors to be added to your coin collection or presented as a gift these original designs feature a variety of interesting topics and original military art.
