Why Does the US Navy Have No Frigates?

Despite the common belief, the United States Navy currently does not field a dedicated frigate in its active fleet. This can be a bit confusing given the rich history and vital roles that frigates have played in naval warfare. However, the US Navy does have a unique reason for this situation, and a single frigate is still in commission today.

Do They Really Have No Frigates?

For some time, the US Navy has been procuring something it once referred to as Littoral Control Ships (LCS), which have proven to be less than ideal for their intended missions. These LCS have been taking the brunt of criticism, with some being decommissioned while new ones are being ordered, essentially keeping the military-industrial complex in business.

Interestingly, despite their name, LCS are not intended to replace traditional frigates. Frigates, known for their versatility and effectiveness in various naval operations, would have been far more suitable for many of the missions currently assigned to LCS. Most navies rely on frigates as the backbone of their fleets.

The latest in the frigate lineage for the US Navy are the new Constellation class frigates. Each named after early wooden frigates, these new additions aim to replace the aging Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates. These newcomers are designed to provide more capability and versatility, with a displacement of about 7400 tons, nearly double that of the Perry class.

The USS Constitution: America's Oldest Active Warship

Among the current US Navy ships, there is one frigate that remains in active commission, the USS Constitution. Constructed in 1797 and named after the US Constitution, this ship is not only a historical treasure but also an active part of the fleet. It is the oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world, and while it is not a modern frigate, it carries on a proud legacy.

Although the USS Constitution is not a new or modern frigate, its inclusion in the US Navy has provided lessons in resilience and historical significance. The ship still serves as a symbol of early American naval power and has been renovated and maintained for continuous service.

The Role of LCS in Modern Naval Strategy

The LCS ships, while technically classified as Littoral Combat Ships, were intended to serve in the roles that traditional frigates would have covered. However, they have not met expectations in terms of modularity and capability. The LCS ships, designed for shallow water and riverine operations, were expected to be converted into specialized vessels through interchangeable modules. However, this has not been fully realized.

Recognizing the urgent need for capability, the US Navy turned to foreign technology, specifically the Italian designed Multi-mission Frigate. Licensing production of these Italian ships has allowed the US Navy to quickly acquire frigate-like vessels without the lengthy design and testing process required for new American-built ships.

The new Constellation class frigates are built with a focus on speed and versatility, with a slightly lower speed compared to the LCS but still fast enough for modern naval operations. They carry elements of frigate capabilities, including improved anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures, but are not classified as true frigates within the US Navy.

Conclusion

In summary, while the US Navy does not currently field dedicated modern frigate ships, they do have one historic frigate, the USS Constitution, in active service. The US Navy is working on acquiring more capable frigate-like ships, such as the Constellation class, to fill the gap in capabilities. The LCS ships, while valuable for certain roles, have proven to be less versatile than originally intended, and the Navy is pursuing alternative solutions to meet their needs.