Program Manager: Navy Examining Conventional Prompt Strike Capability for Zumwalt-Class Destroyer

摘要

The U.S. Navy's program manager for the Zum-walt-class guided-missile destroyer praised the capability being built into the ship as it transforms into an offensive surface strike platform from a land-attack ship, possibly to include a new missile strike capability. The Zumwalt is being lauded "as the premier strike platform for the U.S. Navy," said Capt. Kevin Smith, the Navy's Zumwalt program manager, speaking Jan. 15 at the Surface Navy Association convention, noting that the ship was "designed to be stealthy and designed to carry the fight to the enemy." Smith said the Navy is looking at the Zumwalt as a platform for a conventional prompt strike capability. He also said the Navy is looking at adding Tomahawk Block V — the Maritime Strike Tomahawk — to the Zumwalt's arsenal. Under the current plan, the Block IV Tactical Tomahawk missile arm the Zumwalt.