TriSeadon FLEET DOSSIER.docx
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Full Extract
TRIDENT FLEET DOSSIER: Comprehensive Naval Transformation Plan
Submitted to: United States Congress, Department of Defense, Navy Acquisition Command
Prepared by: Office of Naval Modernization and Strategic Fleet Redevelopment
Document Purpose: Define, justify, and document the implementation of the Trident Surface Combatant Suite as a total fleet modernization and industrial revitalization program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Trident Fleet Plan replaces outdated legacy systems with a common-hull surface combatant family (FFG, DDG, CAG), leveraging shared systems, modular construction, and distributed shipbuilding. It revitalizes U.S. shipyards, steel production, and high-tech defense manufacturing.
• Total Ships: 144 (75 FFGs, 45 DDGs, 24 CAGs)
• Build Timeframe: 2026–2050
• Program Cost: $1.01 Trillion (25-year lifecycle)
• Legacy Alternative: $1.18 Trillion (costlier, fragmented, outdated)
• Core Justification: Faster, cheaper, modern, unified, and sustainable combat power
I. COMMON CONSTRUCTION STRATEGY
A. Shared Design & Architecture:
• Common hull form scaled across FFG, DDG, CAG
• Shared sensors, weapons, and aviation systems
• Standardized hatches, consoles, RAST, VLS, ODIN, HELIOS, Mk 45 Mod 4 5"
• Common internal layout for mechanical and electronic systems
B. Modular Mission Integration:
• ISO-based swappable mission pods: ECM, ISR, Anti-Submarine, Fire Support, Cyber, Special Warfare
• IM (Integration Modules) inserted during drydock refits: permanent upgrades or role changes
• Block Upgrades (I–V) enable iterative tech adoption and fleet refresh
C. Propulsion & Power Systems:
• LM2500 turbines (naval-standard turbines)
• Lithium-ion battery banks (containerized for replacement and repair)
• Azimuthing pod propulsion: adopted from LCS lessons and commercial cruise industry
• Hybrid electric/diesel: ensures redundancy and fuel efficiency
D. Commonality Benefits:
• 10–20% reduced build cost per hull
• Reduced maintenance training costs
• Shared logistics and parts across three classes
• Unified combat system integration (combat data, radar, comms)
E. Procurement & Change Control Clause:
• Trident program contracts include a strict "No Configuration Change" clause once steel is cut
• Design freeze ensures predictable budgeting and scheduling
• All upgrades or system revisions are only allowed via the Block system and drydock IM insertion
• Exceptions may be granted only for supply chain shortages or mandatory compliance with emergent safety/security standards
IV. RFPs AND INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Issued RFPs and Competitive Bids Include:
• 10" Trinion-H Naval Gun System: Based on Mk 51 AGS heritage with fixed ammunition; improved range, reliability, and barrel survivability
• Azimuthing Pod Propulsion: Adapted from cruise ship and LCS designs, hardened for combat conditions and long endurance
• Lithium-Ion Power Architecture: Containerized batteries with high-discharge capability and naval safety compliance
• IM & ISO Production: National contracts for modular ISO construction and IM refit engineering—competitively sourced
Evaluation Criteria:
• Proven performance in related systems
• Integration with shared combat architecture
• Cost, schedule reliability, and domestic sourcing preferences
• Capacity for long-term upgrade and lifecycle support
Lessons Learned Application:
• LCS Modular Failures: Resolved by focusing ISO modules on support and mission flexibility—not combat-critical systems
• Mk 51 AGS & DDG-1000 Failures: Lessons applied to avoid ammo dependency and excessive custom integration—Trident platforms emphasize standardization and open-architecture weapons control
• DDG-51 Overmodification: Trident uses a “block and bay” approach for future expansion, preventing design drift mid-construction
III. SHIPYARDS, JOBS, AND INDUSTRIAL REVIVAL
A. Key Shipyards and Roles:
• Ingalls Shipbuilding (MS): Primary CAG and DDG hulls
• Mare Island (CA): CAG refits, advanced module integration, pod maintenance
• Philly Shipyard (PA): FFG production and ISO module packaging
• NASSCO (CA): DEW-centric construction and drydock integration
• Keppel AmFELS (TX): Turret manufacture, azimuth pod final assembly, and battery bank containerization
• Fincantieri Marinette (WI): Initial FFG Block I & II builds; transition DDG prep
B. Modernization and Reuse Strategy:
• Reclaim shipyard capacity from canceled programs: FFG-62, LCS, future DDG-51 builds
• Fund upgrades via redirection of Navy infrastructure budgets and industry-matching grants
• Expand operations in warm-weather yards (TX, FL, CA) to maintain year-round production
• Reestablish former industrial yards (e.g., Mare Island, Avondale) with public-private joint ventures
C. Transitioning Labor from Legacy Programs:
• FFG-62: Retrain and retain skilled Fincantieri and subcontractor labor force
• DDG-51 Program: Reallocate Huntington Ingalls and Bath Iron Works capacity to Trident DDG and CAG classes
• LCS Program: Refocus Austal USA on ISO module production and integration pods
D. Employment and Economic Impact:
• Estimated 80,000+ jobs: direct construction, skilled trades, logistics, electrical systems, software, and defense engineering
• Boost to domestic steel production, electrical machinery, and naval electronics
• Significant expansion of U.S.-based advanced manufacturing in support of azimuth pods, 10” Trinion-H turrets, batteries, and integration modules
• Strengthening regional economies across the Midwest, South, and coastal states
E. Shipyard Funding and Oversight:
• Shipyard modernization to be funded through a dedicated $3B Navy appropriation combined with $1B in competitive state infrastructure incentives
• Establish the National Maritime Industrial Base Oversight Task Force (NMIBOTF) to coordinate funding, labor standards, and supplier certification
• Use phased funding releases tied to production milestones, cost containment, and compliance with "No Configuration Change" clauses
• Transparent reporting mechanisms and public-private performance scorecards
IV. RFPs AND INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Issued RFPs:
• 10" Trinion-H Naval Gun (Mk 51 AGS-derived, fixed ammo architecture)
• Azimuthing Pods (LCS retrofit learnings, commercial scale-up)
• Lithium-Ion Containerized Power Grid
• ISO & IM Production Factories
Failure Lessons Redeployed:
• LCS: Pods and modular ideas good, execution poor → solved with true combat systems
• DDG-1000: Design integration failures → Trident avoids via platform commonality
• Mk 51 AGS: Gun hardware viable, ammo design flawed → solve with fixed modular rounds, range >80nm
V. COST ANALYSIS: TRIDENT VS LEGACY
Class
Count
Unit Cost
Lifecycle Multiplier
Total Cost
FFG
75
$1.2B
×4.0
$360B
DDG
45
$2.04B
×3.7
$339.66B
CAG
24
$4.59B
×3.0
$330.48B
$1.01T
Legacy Plan (DDG-51, LCS, CG, FFG-62): $1.18T
• Costs include extended sustainment
• Partial modernization of aged hulls
• Poor platform integration, redundant training pipelines
VI. BUILD PLAN: BLOCK STRATEGY & DELIVERY
Year 1 (2026):
• 2x Block I FFGs (shaft propulsion, hull test)
• APMs, turbines, batteries outsourced to inland facilities
Year 2 (2027):
• 4x Block II FFGs (azimuthing pods, battery grid)
• Skip DDGs this year (Flight III Burkes remain viable)
Year 3 (2028):
• 4x Block II FFGs
• 1x Block I CAG (no 10” Trinion-H guns yet)
Year 4–6:
• Introduce 4 FFGs, 1 CAG/year
• Add 1 DDG (Block I) in Year 6
• Begin retrofitting early Block I ships to Block III
Year 7–25 (2033–2050):
• Ramp up to 6–10 ships/year
• Deliver final numbers: 75 FFGs, 45 DDGs, 24 CAGs
VII. STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
• Delivers modern fleet aligned with future threats
• Retires aging ships at manageable pace
• Unified training, lower O&M costs, future proof
• Resilient industrial base and national security supply chain
VIII. CONGRESSIONAL REQUEST
Authorize:
• Cancellation of DDG-51 and FFG-62 procurements
• FY26 launch of Trident Yard Modernization Act
• Trident Fleet Program full authorization and long-lead procurement support
End of Expanded Dossier