New Arleigh Burke Design

From Navy Times:

"Even though the Navy will resume building Arleigh Burke-class destroyers because the ships are cheaper and the costs are predictable, the eight new Burkes could get new refinements that set them apart from earlier siblings, according to a congressional report. According to written testimony submitted Thursday to the House Seapower Subcommittee by Navy shipbuilding expert Ron O’Rourke, the Navy has several options to improve and accessorize the new series of destroyers that will resume with the ship carrying hull number DDG 113."

Alright, long story short, I like this idea. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised this idea

To use our current (and proven, I might add) platform, the Arleigh Burke class destroyer, to essentially test the new technology that the Navy wants to develop is a smart and effective way to properly develop not only the technology, but also the tactics to properly employ it.

This should be a model for future development in that it saves money (makes Congress and the taxpayers happy) and makes it easier for the crew to learn the components of a few systems vice a whole ship (makes the crew happy). The other key aspect is that it shows the taxpayers that the Navy is fiscally responsible, thus contributing to a better image for the Navy. As it stands, the Navy has a hard enough time validating itself to the general public, so this can only help. Now, if we had started with this from the get-go, it would've been even better.

Having served on an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, I can say with certainty they are excellent ships. Are they perfect? Far from it. But are they capable? Absolutely. By merging new technology with these ships we will be able to forge ahead and build the Navy for the 21st century that we've been talking about about for many years now.

-Crudes

P.S. After talking with my wife, I've determined that I should elaborate on the name. The correct pronounciation is Crew-Des, which stands for Cruiser-Destroyer. Having served on these types of ships, I figured it was appropriate.