an extended counter narcotics operation in the Caribbean
Roooooh
With a 4500/5500 (even 6000 ?) tons frigate, with 160/200 sailors onboard, armed with a 76mm main gun, two CIWS, at least four 0,5" MG, one or two helico, 32 VLS, 4 to 8 SSM, two or three RHIBs, six ASW torpedo-tubes & this associate ASW sonar
For this kind of mission, your ship is over-armed and too expensive ! (a
O V E R K I L L system)
You fuck the American taxpayer
Better a 3000/4000 tons (max) ship, with 80 to 120 sailors onboard, with a 57mm or a 76mm forward, one CIWS, at least four 0,5" MG, one or two helico, ASW capable (fitted for but not fitted with) two or three RHIBs........AND......... with the ability to take (reserved spaces, the infamous "Fitted for but not fitted with" rule) some man-portable systems such as "FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS", "BGM-71 TOW", "FGM-148 Javelin", "M72 LAW", the larger "HELLFIRE" & so...
To destroy traffickers, you do not need to use a 1 $ million apiece Harpoon, ASROC or Tomahawk missile
Comments on either picture are welcome