American Commonwealth General Movements and Actions

[MostGloriousLeader]

It had been some time since official contact had been held between the Commonwealth and the Republic of J Andres.  Several attempts were made to get in touch with the J Andres and failed until a special envoy was dispatched to deal with the issue in person.  Meeting J Andres government officials, it was revealed the nation was under enormous internal political and economic issues and was under he verge of collapse.  At this point much of the public was openly advocating an attempt to integrate J Andres with the Commonwealth.  After quick discussions the J Andres government agreed to turn over the country to Commonwealth peacekeeping forces and begin the process of holding a nationwide referendum immediately.  In the meantime three light infantry divisions would be dispatched as an initial force to maintain law and order, provide security and ensure that local government and utilities functions continued unimpeded.

[J Andres]

It had been some time since official contact had been held between the Commonwealth and the Republic of J Andres.  Several attempts were made to get in touch with the J Andres and failed until a special envoy was dispatched to deal with the issue in person.  Meeting J Andres government officials, it was revealed the nation was under enormous internal political and economic issues and was under he verge of collapse.  At this point much of the public was openly advocating an attempt to integrate J Andres with the Commonwealth.  After quick discussions the J Andres government agreed to turn over the country to Commonwealth peacekeeping forces and begin the process of holding a nationwide referendum immediately.  In the meantime three light infantry divisions would be dispatched as an initial force to maintain law and order, provide security and ensure that local government and utilities functions continued unimpeded.

Dispatch from the Maritime Republic of J Andres
To our friends in the American Commonwealth,

We understand that our internal struggles continue to be a worry along your border. We have seen the Commonwealth grow considerably since our founding, and we are grateful for the stability that your border offers us.
We hope to offer the same stability to the Commonwealth.

A percentage of our populace has always advocated for the merger of J Andres with the Commonwealth, and Vinsalia before that, and other nations during the other reformations. However, these factions are still small.

We blame our lack of outward communication on the unfortunate internal bickering that an election year brings. I assure you that the citizens that held discussions with your government yesterday were not authorized to do so.

We have observed American Commonwealth troops within our borders, and we respectfully request that the troops are returned to the American Commonwealth within 72 hours, restoring J Andres sovereignty.

Thank You,
Evan McDowell
President of the Maritime Republic of J Andres.

OOC: 24 hour lapse in the 25-day rule. Consider this our IC request for the land to be returned to J Andres. RL has been busy. Please and Thank You :)

[J Andres]

OOC: 24 hour lapse in the 25-day rule. Consider this our IC request for the land to be returned to J Andres. RL has been busy. Please and Thank You :)

OOC: Request respectfully rescinded.

[MostGloriousLeader]

With the American Commonwealth doubling in phyisical size as well as its increasing responsibilities within and without the continent, measures must be taken to ensure that the armed forces have the unfettered ability to project military forces wherever and whenever they're needed in the nation or the world. 

 

TRADOCCOM

Currently the Commonwealth military's ground forces are nearly entirely split between light and heavy units due to the projected continental combat needs for the military up to recently.  While light units are inherently valuable due to their rapid deployability and reduced logistical footprint, it is noted that these units are not capable of going head to head with heavy forces on open terrain.  The military requires a more medium built force that is easily deployable but able to hold its own against a heavier opponent. 

 

It has been decided to reorganize two mechanized divisions and two armored divisions as a medium combat force composed of weapons and equipment that can be easily and readily transported by C-130 and/or C-17 transport aircraft.  These new formations, to be designated Light Mechanized units, will be based on the Stryker armored fighting vehicle and the M5 Advanced Infantry Combat Vehicle and their variants, all of which are capable of being transported, and most even being able to be airdropped, by C-130s. 

 

Air Mobility Command

As the fastest mode of transportation, the Air Force will upgrade and increase its air transportation capabilities to be able to support and sustain operations anywhere in the world using a wide range of transport aircraft.

 

The Air Force's aircraft goal inventory will be as follows:

600 x C-130J-30 Super Hercules

360 x C-17D Globemasters

240 x C-18 Shadow Lifter

120 x C-5 Galaxies

60 x C-19 Globelifters

420 x KC-135 Stratotankers

60 x KC-10 Extenders

 

Military Sealift Command

While not as fast as air transport, naval transportation is nonetheless much more efficient, especially for heavy vehicles and equipment.  It is also capable of transporting much more in a single trip than any aircraft can and will be required for any meaningful projection capabilities.

 

The MSC will operate the following:

20 x Algol class Vehicle Cargo Ships

20 x Bob Hope class Vehicle Cargo Ships

60 x Modular Auxiliary Vessels

[MostGloriousLeader]

Weapons Development Projects

 

Mark 62 HWT
Weight: 4,200 lb
Length: 7.2 m
Diameter: 533mm
Range: 60km (low speed), 40km (max speed)
Warhead: 800lb
Speed: Over 80 knots
Maximum Depth:  Over 1,000 m
Guidance: Wire guidance, active/passive acoustic homing, wake homing

The Mark 62 Heavyweight Torpedo is a newly designed and highly capable replacement for the Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo currently in service with the Commonwealth Navy.  The Mark 62 represents a huge leap in overall capabilities.  It is faster, more manueverable, and can dive deeper than the Mark 48.  One of the most important improvements is the guidance system, which uses a variety of methods including fiber-optic wire guidance, wake homing, passive/active acoustic homing, or a combination of all three, to track and intercept targets.  The seeker possesses advanced counter-countermeasure capabilities as well as being optimized for both open ocean and littoral operations.  

Mark 63 LWT
Weight: 1,000 lb
Length: 3 m
Diameter: 324 mm
Range: 30 km (low speed), 15 km (max speed)
Warhead: 100lb
Speed: Over 50 knots
Maximum Depth:  Over 1,000 m
Guidance: Active/passive acoustic homing

The Mark 63 LWT was created to replace the Mark 50 and Mark 54 as the Commonwealth Navy’s primary Lightweight Torpedo.  One of the key improvements is the Mark 63’s extreme manueverability and speed which, coupled with its guidance systems, allow it to operate against a wide range of targets in both open ocean and littoral environments.  It is able to detect and engage stationary bottomed out targets and, due to a wide range of possible settings, it can engage surface targets and is even capable of being used as a anti-torpedo defense system.  While the base model is capable of engaging torpedoes, a specialized anti-torpedo version is more optimized for the role using a high explosive warhead rather than the shaped charge warhead but retains the same guidance and propulsion systems.  The Mark 63 is able to be used aboard an extremely wide array platforms ranging from fixed wing and rotary aircraft to ships, subs and even missiles for standoff engagements.

Mark 64 SCT
Weight: 7,000 lb
Length: 8.8 m
Diameter: 533mm
Range: 25km
Warhead: 800lb
Speed: Over 250 knots
Maximum Depth:  Over 1,000 m
Guidance: Active/passive acoustic homing

The Mark 64 Supercavitating Torpedo is an marked advance from the Mark 60 SCT that came before it.  Quicker and more manueverable, it also has a better guidance system, which can be programmed for a variety of search patterns.  Its 800lb warhead is guaranteed to cause massive damage, if not sink, any target it hits.  Possible future upgrades being developed include adding wire guidance to the torpedo.  Normally deployed on submarines, the Mark 64 is also able to be launched from surface craft with the appropriate launch systems or even fixed wing aircraft with some modifications.  

BUM-185 ASSW
Weight: 7,000 lb
Length: 6.5 m
Diameter: 533mm
Range: 80km
Payload: Mark 63 LWT
Speed: Mach 2
Guidance: Inertial, midcourse update

The BUM-185 Anti-submarine standoff weapon was designed to provide both surface vessels and submarines a weapon capable of engaging hostile submarines at extended range.  While able to use on-board sensors, the most is gained out of   the BUM-185 when used in cooperation with longer ranged off-board sensors, like helicopters or fixed wing ASW aircraft, to allow the best use of the missile’s standoff capability.  Once launched it can be provided with constant midcourse updates until it reaches the target, where upon it jettisons the Mark 63 LWT which decends via parachute and activiates as soon as it hits the water.  The BUM-185 is able to be launched from a normal Mk 41 VLS cell but is also able to be launched by aircraft or even by submarine via a special enclosed waterproof capsule.  
 

[MostGloriousLeader]

Joint Chemical Defense Command

The Commonwealth military's chemical weapons stockpile currently stands at 6,000 tons of VX and Sarin nerve agents spread across four primary storage sights across the nation and is broken down as follows:

 

Aberdeen Proving Ground (200 tons)

Blue Grass Army Depot (1800 tons)

Anniston Army Depot (1000 tons)

Pine Bluff Arsenal (3000 tons)

 

The existence of these weapons are classified and every conceivable measure has been taken to ensure that.  Even so, chemical weapons are of limited value on the modern battlefield and the original intention of developing chemical weapons as a deterrent has been superseded by the Commonwealth's nuclear arsenal.  As a result the decision has been reached to eliminate the existing chemical weapons stockpile.  Disposal facilities will be constructed at each of the four storage facilities so that the chemical weapons can be disposed of on site rather than risk transporting it across the country and through populated areas.  As the chemical weapons are disposed of, the storage sites will be inspected to ensure decontamination and will then be used to store conventional munitions and equipment.  Disposal efforts are projected to reach total completion within five years. 

[Captain Enema]

ooc-

 

who needs vx gas when you have:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/pets_war/8.png

[MostGloriousLeader]

LAV/Stryker AD

The Commonwealth Military has begun a program to revamp and upgrade low level air defense capabilities for its combat units through the adoption of elements of the Sky Guard SHORAD system to the Stryker ICV and LAV-25 vehicle systems.  These platforms have been mated with a turret containing the Sky Guard's integrated AESA radar, IRTS and Electro-Optical targeting systems.  Weapons consist of a total of eight MIM-179 Sky Dart Missiles in two four missile launchers, each capable of being interchanged with a 70mm rocket pod, and a GAU-13 30mm Gatling Gun.  Currently Stryker units are equipped with the truck mounted Sky Guard SHORAD system for their air defense companies as are normal infantry units and the addition of the Stryker-AD variant will provide a air defense platform with superior mobility and protection.  Existing marine LAV-ADs will be replaced with this new version which boasts superior firepower and sensors ensuring adequate air defense for marine expeditionary forces.

 

MMEV

After conducting field trials with former Faraway military stock the Commonwealth Military has announced that it will adopt the Multi-Mission Effects Vehicle to replace the M113 mounted ADATS in most combat units.  Combining sensors and weaponry, the MMEV is capable of performing a multitude of battlefield roles ranging from air defense and anti-tank missions to direct fire support.  It has eight weapon module hardpoints that can support a wide range of weapons including ADAT or Sky Dart missiles, rocket pods and two separate remote weapons stations able to mount medium and heavy machine guns. 

 

Hydra ARS

The Hydra Advanced Rocket System is the designation for a new 70mm rocket derived from the CRV7.  Tests using Faraway stocks have led to an adaptation and modification of the design and its eventual use by the military.  An extremely powerful rocket design, it is even capable of defeating the armor of main battle tanks.  A variety of warheads exist including high explosive, smoke, illumination, SAPHEI, depleted uranium kinetic penetrator, flechette, and even a cluster munitions dispenser.  Its level of performance has even led to the strong possibility of eventually replacing all previous Hydra rocket stocks with this new design.  The HARS is also a versatile design, not being limited to just aircraft.  It has been successfully integrated with ships, and ground vehicles, including the MMEV, tactical trucks, HMMWVs and even ATVs.  In addition to this, testing has been completed on the Precision Guided Rocket System, which takes a Hydra ARS and mates it with one of several guidance systems used by existing Hydra guided rockets to create a highly effective, low cost precision weapon using laser guidance, GPS, INS or infra-red tracking. 

 

 

[MostGloriousLeader]

Fortress Greenland

As an official territory of the American Commonwealth, Greenland is guaranteed, among other things, the full protection of the Commonwealth armed forces.  This, combined with its strategic location, has necessitated that the Commonwealth military establish a larger and more permanent presence on the island.  Currently a radar network is operational using mixed air defense units from garrison units and supplementary units.  A new permanent radar system will be established along the coast line and interior using a mix of mobile and fixed radar units to provide full effective coverage of the whole island and up to 600km offshore along with the permanent garrisoning of air and coastal defense units throughout the island.  Supplementing this will be a OTH radar network that will be able to expand radar coverage out to 3,000 km. 

 

Garrison units will be reorganized with the 6th Infantry Division (Light) being the primary ground component of the Greenland Defense Command which is to be bolstered by a marine brigade and a brigade from the 1st Mountain Division.  Ground forces will be based at Thule AFB, Nuuk, NS Kangilinnguit, and several other cities and towns.  Air units will operate from Thule AFB and a new airbase under construction near Nuuk.  Permanent air forces will include two fighter squadrons, an airborne command and control Squadron, two patrol squadrons as well as several UAV squadrons with additional surge capability for other aircraft.  The primary naval presence will be at NS Kangilinnguit which will be able to accommodate cruiser sized vessels and be able to act as a supply hub for larger battlegroups and plans remain for the future possibility of expanding the base to the point of being able to handle larger vessels.

[MostGloriousLeader]

With the collapse of the government of the Manitoba Free State, Commonwealth forces would move in yet again to secure order.  This time the transition was much easier though and the operation was carried out smoothly.

[MostGloriousLeader]

CLASSIFIED

The NSA and military Cyber Command have begun to conduct reconnaissance and infiltration of Texan government and civilian computer networks.  The authority of the federal government to compel internet service providers and companies to provide any necessary information or access to their networks would help things come along faster.  As it was the federal government and military's job to provide security for the nation's internet infrastructure and computer networks any such actions would seem to be for that purpose. 

[Evangeline Anovilis]

To: Department of Defense of the American Commonwealth

From: Evangeline Arnault-Delareux

 

To whomever it concerns,

 

While I trust the military of the Commonwealth to uphold the unity of this country, I would still like to offer my services to the Commonwealth. I've joined the Commonwealth together with many of my brothers and sisters, when the Commonwealth decided to integrate our home, Acadia, into this grand country. When Faraway fell, the American Commonwealth has taken the reigns over North America and I would like to see the future of a united nation secured.

 

Personally, I have experience with the military, in that I was part of the great Faraway military, back in the days, heading reform efforts to shape the Faraway army into a capable military. When our former country dissolved, so did the armed forces and many of us woman of the Royal Faraway Army have not made the transition to Commonwealth forces, but have turned to civilian lives. However, still there exist many Veteran associations, of women that are able to serve and that might be willing to reenter the military, if given an opportunity.

 

As the country seems to have trouble in Texas, I thus would like to offer my service, in recruiting through my personal contacts seasoned Acadians, Quebecois and other francophone women in the former Faraway lands of the Commonwealth, to form a loyal and capable militia. Of course, we would rely on the Commonwealth for armaments, though many have taken home their military service rifles (which are semi-automatic and still useful for sporting) and their old uniforms, so all we'd need would be some heavier equipment, supplies and some payment for the soldieresses. I would hope that such a unit, operating alongside the Commonwealth forces could ease the strain on the regular military and could show the resolve of other states of the Commonwealth to keep unity, as a voluntary militia.

 

With regards,

Evangeline Arnault-Delareux

[MostGloriousLeader]

Secure Response

To: Evangeline Arnault-Delareux

From: American Commonwealth Department of Defense

 

Ms Delareux,

 

Your offer has piqued the interest of the upper tiers of the Department of Defense.  After carefully considering your proposal the Joint Chiefs of Staff have decided to approve it and provide support and funding for the endeavor.  As such you shall be granted a special commission as a colonel to organize, form and lead the newly designated Vicidalian Legion, a light infantry brigade of 4000 troops.  While nominally not exactly a part of the Commonwealth military, you and all personnel will still be subject to the UCMJ and are still considered citizens of the American Commonwealth.  You and all personnel shall report to Fort Drum to organize, train and draw equipment.

 

Public Relations and Liaison Officer,

Colonel Henry McMahon

 

[MostGloriousLeader]

Classified

Orders given to redeploy Commonwealth forces in the Canadian Provincial Administration Territory.  An infantry and an armored division have been moved to the border of Labrador.  Mobile ground based radars and AWACS aircraft will monitor airspace along with fighters patrolling the border.

[MostGloriousLeader]

With the crisis ongoing in Europe, as well as the military exercises currently being conducted by Tikal, Commonwealth forces were ordered to DEFCON 3 alert status as a precaution.  Satellites over Europe would be tasked with monitoring the situation.  Other than that things would remain mostly the same, with the public not even knowing about the increased readiness levels and just going about their daily lives.

[MostGloriousLeader]

Updated Naval Deployments (Classified)

American Commonwealth naval forces have completed a shift in carrier group deployments.  One carrier battle-group has been assigned a station in the Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico while another has been assigned to the South Atlantic.  Of the four remaining battle-groups, two are deployed off the east coast on station in the western to mid-Atlantic while the other two have been assigned to the Northern Atlantic.  Until further notice this should form the standard deployment procedure of battle-groups to assigned duty stations.

[MostGloriousLeader]

Receiving word that the Republic of Saskatchewan's government had dissolved, Commonwealth troops were yet again deployed to maintain stability.  This time though there would be fewer troops as more were earmarked for the crisis in Alberta so additional civilian support units would be provided make up the slack for the time being.

[MostGloriousLeader]

The withdrawal of Japanese forces from Canada would be followed with Commonwealth troops moving in to secure the areas previously occupied by Japanese troops.  With the re-establishment of the protectorate most troops would be withdrawn and return to their previous deployments.  The main change was the stationing of a brigade from the 2nd Mountain Division in Prince Rupert while the rest of the division would operate to assist with the civil administration of the rest of protectorate. 

 

Even though the incident was settled peacefully it was serious enough to force a major re-assessment of the Commonwealth military's strategic outlook.  The idea of Japan being a stable potential partner in the pacific was shattered, as was the thinking that the Commonwealth-Tianxia Alliance would provide a barrier against aggression for the West Coast.  Japan, ostensibly a subordinate of the Tianxian Empire, had initiated hostile actions without its approval or knowledge.  To think that they wouldn't again would be foolish.  For the first time in its history the Commonwealth military would begin to shift major focus to the defense of the Pacific.

[MostGloriousLeader]

American Commonwealth Military Almanac

 

Land Forces

 

Naval Power

 

Air Power

 

 

 

 

 

[MostGloriousLeader]

Modular Multi-mission Pod System

With the growing emphasis on stealth and low observable technologies and tactics on the modern battlefield, sacrifices are made in weapons and equipment payloads, primarily due to the usage of internal weapons bays.  The need for an aircraft to carry all of its weaponry inside to maintain its stealth precludes additional ordnance being carried on fuselage and wing mountings.  As a result development was undertaken with the idea of using external pods to carry weapons without effecting an aircraft's stealth or aerodynamic capabilities.  The result is the Modular Multi-mission Pod System developed by Lockheed-Martin and Raytheon.  Developed to be carried by stealthy reinforced external pylons, the MMPS allows aircraft to carry a considerable amount of weaponry in an external fashion without compromising its stealth abilities.  Not just limited to carrying bombs and missiles, numerous variants exist including a gun pod, electronic warfare pod, reconnaissance pod, targeting pod, and fuel tanks.  While primarily created for use on fighter sized aircraft, a larger version exists to be used by bombers such as the B-1 Lancer to allow the carriage of larger cruise missiles externally.

 

 

 

[MostGloriousLeader]

Receiving word that the nation of Ontario's government had collapsed American Commonwealth troops would move in to secure the area and restore order.

[Triyun]

Tianxia has decided that the mobilization time of the American Commonwealth is too short and will be deploying a rapid response division to take it instead... naturally it has encountered no resistance as Canadians just kept saying, 'Hey good buddy, and hey I'm not your pal I'm your buddy, and Quit queefing in my face pal'.  Tianxia will be moving to secure its national interest of methane glass, except from queefs cause those are gross.

[MostGloriousLeader]

Weapons Development Projects

 

BGM-185 Joint Strike Missile

The BGM-185 Joint Strike Missile is a land attack/anti-ship, stealth, cruise missile developed by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.  The Joint Strike Missile is able to travel over 200km (300km for the air launched version) at high subsonic speeds and penetrate heavy defenses to deliver a 300 lb warhead onto its target with precision accuracy.  Guidance is provided with a combination of systems including GPS, INS, TERCOM, and infrared homing.  It also possesses a communications data-link allowing for real time update of missions and flight paths.  The JSM is able to be used by multiple platforms including ships, submarines, aircraft and fixed/mobile ground launchers.  It is the only cruise missile able to be carried internally on fighter sized aircraft, such as the F-35, and stealth munition pods.

 

M307/M312 OCSWS

The M307/M312 Objective Crew Served Weapons System is a hybrid heavy machine gun/grenade launcher that has been developed to replace the M2 50 caliber heavy machine gun in weapons companies.  Capable of being used as a 50 caliber machine gun or 25mm automatic grenade launcher, it takes less than two minutes to change between firing modes under field conditions.  Through the extensive use of lightweight composite materials and metal the weight of the weapon is drastically reduced compared to the M2 making it a much more portable weapon for infantry on the battlefield.  This comes at the cost of a somewhat lowered rate of fire although improvements to the design have allowed it to retain a respectable rate of fire of 400 (HMG) and 280 (AGL) rounds per minute.  The weapon's built in recoil system allows the weapon to fire using a lightweight tripod with negligible effects on accuracy and performance.  It also possesses an advanced fire control system which includes traditional and night vision/thermal optics with zoom, a laser range finder, a ballistic computer and allows for the programming of the 25mm smart grenades used when it is configured as an automatic grenade launcher. 

 

Mk 47 Striker AGL

The Mk 47 Striker Automatic Grenade Launcher is the replacement for the older Mk 19 AGL which has been in service since the 1960s. The Mk 47 is designed to fire the same 40mm grenades as the Mk 19 but is also able to fire programmable smart munitions and incorporates an advanced optic/fire-control system.  While slightly heavier, the extra weight is not problematic as it is a mounted weapon.  It also possesses superior accuracy, range and rate of fire compared to the Mk 19. 

[MostGloriousLeader]

The Commonwealth military has begun the process of decommissioning 150 megatons worth of nuclear weaponry in compliance with the UN Resolution.  To meet this quota the decision has been made to completely retire the military's whole inventory of B61 nuclear bombs.  The retired warheads will be sent to secure nuclear processing facilities at Los Alamos and Livermore National Laboratories to be blended down into fuel for nuclear reactors. 

Edited March 23, 2014 by MostGloriousLeader

[MostGloriousLeader]

Naval Developments

As part of its 20XX budget, the American Commonwealth Military has set aside funds to procure large amounts of additional fast attack and surface craft to bolster its green and brown water capabilities for the Army as well as extended blue water patrol vessels for the Navy along additional cutters for the Coast Guard.  Due to the scale of the addition of these new boats and vessels along with the upcoming line of naval ships, the Commonwealth military is utilizing shipyards all over the country to get them all produced on time in shipyards from the east and west coast to the Gulf of Mexico and even Cuba.  Pentagon officials say that major surface combatant development and production was not delayed by the additional pressure on the budget and that they would be completed on schedule and within cost limits.

 

Combat Fast Assault Craft

The Combat Fast Assault Craft is a small, multi-purpose, boat with a wide range of capabilities and functionality.  It is able to conduct missions like coastal patrol, interdiction, amphibious assault and riverine operations.  The base model is capable of traveling over 250 miles with a top speed of 40 knots, being propelled by powerful, twin waterjet engines that also provide it with excellent maneuverability and is able to transport 21 fully equipped combat personnel.  Its shallow draft allows it to navigate inshore and river areas with ease and land troops directly onto the shore.  The weaponry is also varied, with provisions for three weapons mounts for heavy machine guns and grenade launchers, although heavier weapons can be added on remote weapon mounts, such as hellfire missiles or light auto-cannons.  Additional capabilities exist to mount mine dispensers or depth charge racks if required.  All baseline models are armored to be able to resist small arms fire and possess an NBC overpressure system allowing for operations in contaminated environments.  Commonality is maintained between the various service's craft and all are able to be deployed by davits from medium to large vessels.  All in all over 240 units have been ordered by the Commonwealth military and its various branches.  The Army will be provided with 80 for its Riverine and Special Forces units while the Navy and Marine Corps will receive 160.

 

Prowler class Offshore Patrol Vessel

The Prowler class OPV is the first vessel of its kind to be operated by the Commonwealth Navy.  Designed for littoral and blue water patrol, the Prowler OPV is capable of conducting extended patrol missions both inshore and offshore.  The main feature of the Prowler OPV is its advanced air, surface and sub surface sensors, capable of monitoring air and surface activity in excess of 200km away.  It also possesses hull mounted and towed array sonars which, coupled with its helicopter, enable the Prowler to detect underwater threats.  Designated as a light patrol vessel, the Prowler class is not overly heavily armed but is more than capable of defending itself with its advanced stealth features and weaponry.  Weapons include a 57mm gun, Phalanx CIWS, an 8 cell VLS containing Sky Guard point defense missiles with a range of out to 25km and optional mountings for launchers of the Joint Strike Missile and NLOS missile system.  The Navy has ordered 28 vessels to be organized into squadrons of four which will be stationed in Greenland (1) and the Caribbean (2) as well as the East (2) and West (2) Coasts.

 

UASPV

The  Unmanned Anti-Submarine-Warfare Patrol Vessel is the first vessel of its kind in service with the Commonwealth Navy.  A completely autonomous, unmanned vessel tailor made for anti-submarine warfare, it is a cost effective measure of providing wide area sub-surface detection capabilities at only $20 million per vessel.  Autonomous functions include patrol routes, collision avoidance and automatic tracking.  The current design offers an stable and stealthy platform, above and below the surface, for sonar arrays.  The hybrid electric propulsion system has a maximum speed of 20 knots and is able to operate for over 60 days without having to refuel or undergo maintenance.  Trials conducted with 24 UASPVs were concluded successfully prompting the navy to purchase an additional 76 to begin full operations in the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico.  Another improved version is currently being developed which is a larger trimaran design but with better speed and endurance.

 

National Security Cutter

The National Security Cutter is the Commonwealth Coast Guard's newest and most advanced cutter class in service.  Designed to replace the High Endurance Cutters currently in service, the NSC offers a large leap ahead in terms of performance and capabilities.  The NSC's primary missions are maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, EEZ patrol and enforcement, coastal patrol and anti-terrorism but can be called upon to serve in a military capacity during wartime.  Its sensor suite provides excellent detection capabilities with its advanced 3D radar system and sonar capable of detecting mines and underwater swimmers.  Its flight deck and hangars are capable of supporting a mix of helicopters and UAVs.  The stern ramp is able to deploy or recover two RHIBs while underway but can be modified to support mine laying or depth charge dispensers or towed array sonars instead.  Armament is light with a 57mm cannon, Phalanx CIWS and various machine guns, although there is space to deploy NLOS missiles if desired.  Adding to its defensive capabilities is a full electronics warfare suite and decoy system.  The Coast Guard has acquired 8 NSCs and intends to acquire 16 more considering the large areas of ocean that need to be covered. 

 

Offshore Patrol Cutter

Similar in purpose and design to the National Security Cutter, the OPC is essentially a scaled down design providing for a less expensive and more numerous class of cutters to replace the Medium Endurance Cutters in service.  Featuring much of the same capability as the NSC, the OPC has smaller aviation facilities and a stern ramp capable of operating one RHIB.  However, the sensor suite and basic armament are the same.  The OPC is capable of blue water operations although with less endurance than the NSC but still an improvement of the Medium Endurance Cutters.  The Coast Guard currently has 36 cutters on order.

 

Fast Response Cutter

The Fast Response Cutter is a smaller vessel intended to provide a larger presence for the Coast Guard through numbers.  Designed to be swift and maneuverable, the FRC is capable of moving over 30 knots and has a stern launch ramp able to operate a RHIB while underway.  Its armament consists of several machine guns and a stabilized, remote controlled 30mm cannon.  The Fast Response Cutter is able to conduct patrol, search and rescue, and interdiction missions with ease.  The Coast Guard currently operates 23 vessels with an additional 57 under construction.

 

Other

In addition to the new classes entering service, additional orders have been placed for existing vessels as well.  Several dozen Sea Shanty class trawlers are being ordered in secret, to expand clandestine surveillance capabilities to the Pacific and improve existing capabilities in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.  To improve sealift capabilities orders have been placed for 20 additional Algol class Vehicle Cargo Ships, 40 additional JHSVs and 40 Modular Auxiliary Vessels.  Amphibious assault capabilities will be bolstered with the acquisition of 36 more HALCACs and 20 LST-1s.