Lodamun

[imperialpearl]

Following delays related to numerous subsystems crucial to the vessel’s general operation, the Lodamese Navy has formally launched the lead ship of the St. Christopher-class amphibious assault ship (AAS), thus propelling the Lodamese Marine Corps into a new era of expeditionary warfare. The launching of the vessel, which has taken the name LCS-St. Christopher, took place at Cowgill-Masterson Maritime Engineering’s shipyard in Harrington. Secretary of the Navy William Glover, who was present for the vessel’s launching from the drydocks stated that the event represented a significant advancement in Lodamese amphibious warfare capabilities, noting that it was the first time the nation would field such a vessel in centuries if not millennia. “I think this is a significant and very important day for the Lodamese Navy, more specifically the Lodamese Marine Corps. It would be the first time that we as a nation are fielding such equipment and ultimately runs in line with our long-term strategy for the Armed Forces,” Glover said. The Department of Defence has maintained a long-term commitment towards enhancing the capabilities of the Lodamese Marine Corps, which alongside the Lodamese Airborne will become the tip of the spear for the Lodamese Armed Forces. “Persistent investment into the amphibious warfare capabilities are essential in ensuring the Lodamese Armed Forces is capable of conducting operations of varying complexities anywhere around the world,” the most recent Strategic Review of the Armed Forces read. Defence Analyst Dane Case noted that much of the doctrine surrounding amphibious assault ships such as those currently employed in the Mordusian Defence Force and the Lourennais Navy, are largely seen as mini-aircraft carriers. In the case of the Mordusian Randworth-class, the vessel maintains a wide enough landing zone capable of supporting VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft such as the Harrier and the F-35B. The Lourennais Thiers-Class is largely geared towards helicopters and associated rotor-winged aircraft. In the case of the St. Christopher-class, Case noted, although the vessels were built to conduct both operations (supporting VTOL aircraft and helicopters), their deployment as advanced/forward combat formations would likely set them aside from their Dovanian and South-seleyan counterparts. “Usually, if the convention set by Lourenne is to be followed, these vessels will be deployed alongside an aircraft carrier and will support larger operations. However, the Lodamese Navy and by extension the Marine Corps have noted that these three vessels will be employed as forward deployed elements, establishing a clear presence in regions where an aircraft carrier may be largely unnecessary.” Case explained.

The vessel’s launching from the drydock does not mean that it has been formally commissioned into the service of the Lodamese Marine Corps, as Secretary Glover notes that there are still numerous tests of subsystems to be done during its sea trials. “Although we’re launching the ship and will immediately begin work on the 2nd ship of the class, as with all vessels commissioned by any competent nation, a significant amount of sea trials need to be conducted to determine whether the vessel itself is truly fit for at-sea operations.” With the Lodamese Air Force, Commonwealth Guard and Navy united in their decision to procure varying platforms of the acclaimed F-35 stealth strike fighter, it is likely that these jets specifically the F-35B, will feature heavily in these sea trials. Commandant of the Lodamese Marine Corps, Gen. Oliver Booth stated that the F-35B alongside the Harrier would become the backbone of the branch’s aerial warfare capabilities. “We’ve underscored the importance of maintaining a capability to conduct various operations independent of the Lodamese Navy, as there may be instances in the future where that may be necessary. As such, we have received approval from the CNO (Chief of Naval Operations) to procure aircraft specifically for the St. Christopher-class amphibious assault ship. What we’ve envisioned is the deployment of the Harrier in general operations and the F-35B in special deployments to areas which we may consider to have a heightened threat outlook. These vessels will essentially become mini-carriers for us [the Marine Corps] and will work in tandem with the Portswood-class LPDs and other Lodamese Navy vessels attached to our forward deployment concept.” Gen. Booth explained. The Forward Deployment Concept as mentioned earlier as well as by the LMC Commandant relates to the deployment of task forces, led by the amphibious assault ships in various regions including South-Western Artania, Dovani (Southern and Central) and Eastern Seleya. Through these task forces, the Lodamese Armed Forces would likely be able to respond faster to potential crises which may emerge along the Harrington Company’s merchant routes, thus leading back to the Lodamese Armed Forces’ core function of defending Lodamese interests both at home and abroad. It is being reported that once much of the vessel’s subsystems have been fully integrated, including the fitting of anti-air defence systems and air-search radar, the LCS-St. Christopher could see its first deployment to Migrant’s Pass alongside other vessels.