From my AUSA email updates:
U.S. Southern Command commander Adm. Kurt W. Tidd has a warning about the compounding effects of trying to do more with less. When global responsibilities outpace resources, “we have had to make a series of tough choices, resulting in compounding second and third order effects,” he said. “The net result is the perception among our friends and the palpable anticipation among our competitors that we no longer stand by our commitments, that we are relinquishing our strategic position, and that we don’t take the challenges in this region seriously.”
As a predecessor to Admiral Tidd once said, if all he needs is something that floats and can carry a helicopter rather than high-end Navy assets that always seem to have higher priority missions elsewhere, I believe he should build his own.
As I noted recently, if SOUTHCOM can get money and some personnel, Admiral Tidd could design his own naval forces with The SOUTHCOM Queen as the lead ship of a modularized auxiliary cruiser class tailored to his needs.
It could carry direct fire weapons, drones, helicopters, smaller watercraft, and Coast Guard boarding parties, for a start.
Of course, more might be needed given his threat description:
This year, I underscore the sophistication, adaptiveness and considerable financing leveraged by criminal and extremist elements. Drug traffickers, human smugglers, terrorist supporters, arms dealers and money launderers are not new to this region, but they operate in new and surprising ways, compared to years past.
Tidd might also want special forces, light infantry, and vertical launch cells for surface-to-surface missiles.
Sheesh, I mentioned this a year and a half ago in response to his similar complaints. What's the speed bump on this, anyway?
Honestly, SOUTHCOM doesn't need a Zumwalt or Ford. The SOUTHCOM Queen will be fine.
