Trump Class Warships

While most people were at home w/ families celebrating the holiday season, the United States Navy announced the conclusion of development of a new line of warships, known lovingly as, the "Trump" Class. These "modern day dreadnaughts" represent a significant step forward in naval technology and firepower, designed to enhance the country's maritime defense capabilities. Perhaps a little clarity exploring the details of the Trump Class warships..... Including their names, completion dates, and armament types.

Overview of the Trump Class Warships

The "Trump Class" warships are a series of advanced naval vessels built to address modern threats at sea. They combine speed, stealth, and heavy firepower, making them versatile assets for a range of military operations. The design focuses on multi-role capabilities, allowing these ships to engage in surface combat, air defense, and anti-submarine warfare.

Names and Completion Dates of the Trump Class Ships

The Trump Class currently includes three primary ships, each named to honor significant figures and ideals in American history:

• USS Trump Victory (TC-01)

Completion Date: March 2023

The lead ship of the class, USS Trump Victory, was completed in early 2023. It serves as the prototype for the series, showcasing the new technologies and armaments planned for the class.

• USS Trump Liberty (TC-02)

Completion Date: August 2024

The second ship, USS Trump Liberty, was finished in mid-2024. It incorporates improvements based on the operational feedback from the first ship.

• USS Trump Justice (TC-03)

Completion Date: Expected December 2025

The third vessel, USS Trump Justice, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. It will feature the latest upgrades in weaponry and electronic warfare systems.

Armament and Capabilities of Each Ship

Each Trump Class warship carries a formidable array of weapons designed to provide superior offensive and defensive power.

USS Trump Victory (TC-01)

• Main Guns: Two 155mm naval guns capable of long-range precision strikes.

• Missile Systems: Equipped with 64 vertical launch system (VLS) cells for Tomahawk cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles.

• Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS): Phalanx CIWS for defense against incoming missiles and aircraft.

• Torpedo Tubes: Four 324mm torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare.

• Drones: Capability to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance.

  
  

USS Trump Liberty (TC-02)

• Main Guns: Upgraded 155mm naval guns with enhanced targeting systems.

• Missile Systems: 80 VLS cells supporting a wider range of missile types, including anti-ship and ballistic missile defense.

• CIWS: Dual Phalanx systems for increased close-range defense.

• Electronic Warfare: Advanced jamming and decoy systems to counter enemy radar and missile guidance.

• Submarine Detection: Enhanced sonar arrays and anti-submarine rockets.

  
  

USS Trump Justice (TC-03)

• Main Guns: Latest generation 155mm guns with automated loading and firing.

• Missile Systems: 96 VLS cells, the largest in the class, capable of launching multiple missile types simultaneously.

• CIWS: Integrated laser defense systems supplementing traditional CIWS.

• Stealth Features: Improved hull design to reduce radar cross-section.

• Command and Control: State-of-the-art communication and battlefield management systems.

  
  

Strategic Importance of the Trump Class

The "Trump Class" warships are designed to maintain US naval superiority in contested waters. Their multi-role capabilities allow them to operate independently or as part of a carrier strike group. These ships also reflect a shift toward more flexible and adaptable naval forces. By integrating unmanned systems and fleet initiated warfare capabilities, the Trump Class can respond quickly to complex combat environments.

A US Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is a formidable naval formation that serves as a key component of the United States Navy's power projection capabilities. Each CSG typically consists of an aircraft carrier, its accompanying air wing, surface combatants, and submarines, all working together to achieve a variety of military objectives.

• Aircraft Carrier: A carrier holds ~75 fighter aircraft, helos for combat and insertion/exfil procedures, and numerous small craft to assist in maneuvers/procedures.

• Surface Combatants: Destroyers, battleships (Trump Class), and cruisers that provide air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat capabilities. These ships carry a major component of the group, the AEGIS radar system, allowing it to form a virtual impenetrable radar shield over the entire group.

• Submarines: Attack submarines that offer stealth to engage enemy ships and submarines. These stealth vessels are capable of launching numerous types of missile land based payloads such as the "Tomahawk", along with others that have "nuclear" capability.

Carrier Strike Groups are designed to operate in a wide range of scenarios, from combat operations to humanitarian assistance. Their capabilities include:

• Power Projection: The ability to deploy air power quickly and effectively in various hostile regions, demonstrating the power of "posturing". CSG's carry "target specific" munitions that can be varied destructively leading to accurate target positioning with minimal, maximum efficiency.

• Sea Control: Ensuring dominance over maritime areas to protect shipping lanes and deter adversaries. Since the turn of the century, the general public has been lost in the "social technology" world and forgotten that our planet is mostly covered in water. If a dispute between nations escalates to war, history has proven that "he with the best ships" always wins the war.

• Force Multiplier: The presence of a CSG can enhance the effectiveness of other military forces and coalition partners. To say the least, any country in good standing with the US that calls in a "favor" and asks us to just "park" a CSG in contested situations, usually resolves their differences, in their favor.

In 2025, the Caribbean Sea saw heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. This contest was characterized by military maneuvers, economic sanctions, and a quest to end drug trafficking towards the U.S.

The roots can be traced back to Venezuela's ongoing political and economic crises, which led to a power struggle within the country and increased scrutiny from the international community. The United States, aiming to counteract what it perceived as authoritarianism run by cartels in Venezuela, intensified its efforts and exercised its right to eliminate drug boats coming across.

• Military Deployments: In response to Venezuela's drug induced activities, the United States deployed a Carrier Strike Group to the Caribbean Sea. This move was intended to demonstrate military readiness and deter potential aggression from Venezuela.

• Naval Exercises: Venezuela conducted its own naval exercises, showcasing its capabilities and signaling its intent to defend (seriously?) its maritime interests in the Caribbean. Unfortunately for Venezuela, a poorly mounted weapon on dilapidated shrimp boats does not seem to have any effect on the U.S. Navy. Wartime regulations can classify this ships as a threat and engage if necessary.

• Diplomatic Engagements: Both nations attempted to engage in diplomatic efforts, with the US seeking to persuade Venezuela, Venezuela sought support from nations opposed to US intervention. Mexico has announced "support" for the U.S. in some form or fashion, but the reality is that their country is heavily influenced by "cartels". Some would say they are leading the country through corrupt politicians. The Mexican president, who sat on the board of Blackrock, has clearly spoken of continued peace and prosperity for both the U.S. and Mexico

Final Thoughts

So where are we? Twenty-Five years into the new millennium and we still can't figure this out? While agreeing with the U.S. decisions to build new, massively destructive warships, Why? Because there are "very bad people" in the world who don't know wrong from right, and especially good from evil. We need an immigration policy that works.... if we cannot find this, Mexico will fall like a drunk in a bar who "talks" big, but inevitably worthless under pressure from communist regimes... after that, who's next?