The USS Marinette is a unique vessel in the US Navy, boasting extraordinary features that make it stand out. Here’s a look into what makes this ship so special:
1. Engineering Marvel: The USS Marinette is powered by two Rolls Royce MT30 gas turbines, the naval variant of the jet engines used in Boeing 777 aircraft. These engines, housed in explosion-proof steel boxes, generate 48,000 horsepower each. Unlike traditional ships with propellers, the Marinette uses four water jets capable of pumping 25,000 gallons of water per second, making it highly maneuverable and capable of quick stops, known as “crash stops.”
2. Maneuverability: The ship’s water jets can act as rudders, allowing for tight pivots and lateral movements, akin to a jet ski. The bridge of the Marinette features four controls for these jets, offering advanced thrust vectoring capabilities.
3. Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Design: As part of the Freedom-class littoral combat ships, the USS Marinette is designed for operations in shallow waters as shallow as 15 feet. This capability is critical for littoral (nearshore) operations.
4. Speed and Power: Freedom-class ships, including the Marinette, are the fastest in the US Navy, capable of speeds over 40 knots. The combination of gas turbines and diesel engines enables this high speed, necessary for rapid response and maneuverability in combat situations.
5. Overcoming Challenges: Despite its advanced technology, the Freedom-class ships faced challenges, including issues with the combining gearbox needed to merge power from the gas turbines and diesel engines. This defect limited the ships’ speed but has since been addressed in at least seven ships, including the Marinette.
6. Armament: The USS Marinette is equipped with the surface warfare package, featuring 24 Hellfire missiles and a MK110 57mm naval gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute with a range of 10 miles. The ship also has a C-RAM for air defense and can launch and recover RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) for various missions.
7. Modularity and Missions: Originally envisioned to support surface warfare, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare, the modular concept was abandoned. Vibrations from the jet engines interfered with sonar operations, leading to the removal of the anti-submarine mission package.
8. Crew Efficiency: With a crew of only 80, including 13 women and the commanding officer, the USS Marinette operates efficiently. Crew members perform multiple roles, from navigating the ship to helping with maintenance and line duties.
9. Overcoming Reputation Issues: Freedom-class ships have faced criticism, but recent improvements have addressed many of the initial problems. The USS Marinette exemplifies the progress made, demonstrating the potential and capabilities of these advanced naval vessels.
Conclusion: The USS Marinette is an engineering marvel with unparalleled speed and maneuverability. Despite early challenges, improvements have solidified its role as a powerful asset in the US Navy’s littoral combat operations.
