Yes, Captain Kirk!

Although in my mind I think of the SNL skit and hear, Yes Captain Jerk, there really is a Captain Kirk and he is the captain of the Navy’s most futuristic new ship, just not the USS Enterprise. I got the scoop on this on SKYPE the other evening when I queried my better half for blog ideas. Here is how our conversation went:

[9:18PM] A Mount: Did you see the latest 21st century Navy frigate - the USS Zumwalt and since it is such a futuristic ship - guess who is the captain? Capt. James Kirk!

[9:19PM] Jo Mount: Seriously?

[9:19: PM] A Mount: True story.

[9:19PM] Jo Mount: I did not. Is this on MSN?

[9:19 PM] A Mount: I think so. Thought it might make an interesting blog idea.

[9:20PM] Jo Mount: Very.

I give a lot of one word replies because lately I have been multitasking – Skype-ing and crocheting at the same time…

[9:21PM] A Mount: Cost 7 billion dollars to build. Navy originally wanted 32 because it's replacing the Spruance class which has already retired but with the cost they pared it down to 3.

[9:22PM] Jo Mount: Wow, pretty pricey.

[9:23PM] A Mount: Yep. It has a completely computerized system so the captain can give orders and see what's going on from anywhere in the ship and the crew has been cut down to 130 vice the 230 they had on the other.

[9:27 PM] Jo Mount: What do frigates do?? I know they are surface ships.

That last sentence sadly enough, pretty much sums up the extent of my Navy knowledge.

[9:28PM] A Mount: They are the main powerhouses next to the aircraft carriers for defensive and offensive and tactical warfare. The Zumwalt has a landing deck on the back that can handle two helicopters for anti-submarine warfare or coastal interdiction or one helicopter and a hover type drone. They can launch Tomahawk missiles, have superior fire power, and Zumwalt is being fitted out with a rail gun and probably a laser gun like the one already being deployed in the Middle East.

[9:29PM] Jo Mount: Dang. Captain Kirk has phasers, I mean lasers????

[9:30PM] A Mount: Zumwalt is going to be one of the main platforms for new weapons systems and all types of new navigation systems and sonar systems, etc. and its design makes it look like a small fishing boat on radar.

[9:31: PM] Jo Mount: I am definitely going to blog about this.

So there you have it…The USS Zumwalt will no doubt be the most technologically advanced and lethal warship on the water once it finally leaves port, and Captain Kirk’s reduced crew and extensive automation systems will actually show a reduction in operating costs. It is due for final delivery to the Navy later this year, where it will then undergo testing and trials until becoming operational around 2016. Yes, Captain Kirk!