How many ships does the US Navy have?

[nitpicker]

Source:
http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/FLEET.HTM

Ship Battle Forces Active In Commission

Totals 275 238

Aircraft Carriers 10 10
Surface Combatants 93 93
Submarines 71 71
Amphibious Warfare Ships 31 31
Mine Warfare Ships 11 11
Combat Logistics Ships 30 0
Fleet Support 26 5
Auxiliary Support 1 0
Combatant Craft 0 13
Naval Reserve Force Active (NRFA) Ships 2 2
Other 0 2

Aircraft carriers, surface combatants, subs and the amphibs= 205 ships (counting the 4 LCS).

Wait- that total includes 5 frigates and one amphib that are about to decommission this month or shortly thereafter.

So that's "199 ships" in both the ship battle force and active commissioned ships.

"Fleet Support Ships" are 2 LCC command ships (ok), 2 sub tenders (maybe) and an LPD converted to an afloat forward base (you've got to be kidding) plus other cats and dogs in the "battle force" such as oceanographic ships, salvage ships, etc.

Combat logistics ships= ammo ships, oilers, stores supply. mostly crewed by MSC civilians.

Mine warfare ships and (patrol coastal) combatant craft ?? Those used to be the small guys, crews under 100 each.

Reserve frigates and two historical ships make up the rest.

Question- How does Navy expect to forward deploy 120 ships per the new Maritime Strategy? It could be they will count ships in maintenance or overhaul but "committed" to forward deployment...

[Fred Sanders]

1. WAY too many. WAY too expensive.