Canadian_Mind Canadian_Mind:
I think we need a balance between surface combat ships and submarines, as well as the support ships to supply them.
However, I don't think 15 + 4 will be enough. I think given our size and how the world is adjusting politically, 30 combat ships should be our goal. 25 "ice hardened" and 5 that are 30 000+ tonne icebreakers. Save half the fleet for dedicated home defence, and the rest can go about the world as they please helping the British in the Falklands, SE asian nations in the south China sea, and Europe in the Baltic or Black sea.
Like I said, I'd like to see balance with subs. Anywhere from 12-18 decent attack subs on each coast, who's mandate is defence. Maybe throw in a couple subs capable of lobbing cruise missiles at unfriendly nations as well as home defence.
Keep in mind, any offensive tool's purpose wouldn't be invasion. The purpose would be preventing the enemy from invading/striking us. You don't need amphibious ships for that. You do need to be able to strike ports, coastal defence installations, and airfields.
How in the world do you propose to man 66 vessels? 12-18 subs per coast?? We can't even man one right now, let alone up to 36. We can barely man the five frigates on the west coast. I am not sure what colour the sky is in your world but it must be pretty rosy. And in case you didn't know, people are not beating down the recruiters doors to join the navy.
