While trying to balance operational requirements with budget-ry challenges, the US Navy's (USN's) surface forces are refocusing on boosting ship offensive capability via existing but improved kit, senior service officials told the Surface Navy Association's national symposium near Washington, DC. "The surface force is going to be more lethal across all major warfare areas through 'distributed lethality'," said Vice-Admiral Thomas S Rowden, commander of naval surface forces. Increasing the punch - and the reach - of the surface force has been an ongoing effort by the USN in response to an evolving threat environment. From developing longer-range weapons and sensors to a concept called Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA), the navy has sought to counter anti-access/area denial systems that could be employed against US forces in future conflicts.
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