Manonthestreet
Diamond Member
- May 20, 2014
- 34,750
- 23,046
- 1,945
Perceptions about the Littoral Combat Ship are perhaps the most concerning results of the surface warfare officer component of the survey. 60% of respondents do NOT want to serve on an LCS – this was relatively stable across rank and experience. Most do not believe costs will decrease significantly. Only 16% believe it will be “an excellent surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, or mine countermeasures platform.” Finally, respondents were skeptical about its survivability in combat. 60% “disagreed” or “strongly disagreed” with the statement “LCS will be survivable in combat operations.” Only 8% agreed. Skepticism actually increased with age and rank – 70% of Lieutenant Commanders and Commanders disagreed with the statement, and 72% of Captains and flag officers disagreed. There is slight skepticism as to whether a tour on an LCS is valuable for officers: 25% agree that the SWO career track supports a LCS tour, while 30% disagree.
Perceptions about the future of naval aviation were mixed. When asked if the Joint Strike Fighter was the “right aircraft for Naval Aviation,” 60% “strongly disagreed” or “disagreed”, and 22% were neutral. Only 10% “agreed” or “strongly agreed.” Conversely, when asked if they would prefer an Advanced Super Hornet over the Joint Strike Fighter, 62% “strongly agreed” or “agreed,” and 20% were “neutral.” CDR Salamander
Perceptions about the future of naval aviation were mixed. When asked if the Joint Strike Fighter was the “right aircraft for Naval Aviation,” 60% “strongly disagreed” or “disagreed”, and 22% were neutral. Only 10% “agreed” or “strongly agreed.” Conversely, when asked if they would prefer an Advanced Super Hornet over the Joint Strike Fighter, 62% “strongly agreed” or “agreed,” and 20% were “neutral.” CDR Salamander
