Ohio-class Destroyers

      The Ohio-class Destroyers are a class of Destroyers in service with the United Federation Fleet. They are multi-role ships built to replace the Spirit-class Destroyers of the Federation Fleet. The twenty vessels of the class now form the backbone of the Federation Air Force Fleet.All ships are designed to complete a variety of missions and all are named after US States. 

History

     As a part of Nicholas Lapord's Fleet Modernization Program, the Ohio-class Destroyer was originally authorized by Gateway Co. for research, and was officially licensed by the State Council for production Monday, November 19. Each of the vessels have the Flag of their name state on the port wing. 

Role

       The Ohio-class Destroyers are specifically designed to accommodate a variety of roles. 

     One of the first major roles envisioned for the Ohio-class is power projection. As the newest large flag-cruisers of the fleet (a flag cruiser being a warship of significant size, which is used for "show the flag" missions), the vessels are considered to be slightly more capable in this role than their predecessors. Despite the vessels being smaller, and thus less able to carry large stores on protracted missions, the ships are significantly faster and more efficient, meaning that less stores are required.

     Another important role of the Ohio-class is that of a command ship. Five Vessels of the Class, USS Ohio, West Virginia, New Jersey, California, and Iowa have advanced command center modules (although the entire class can accommodate these) and a dedicated fleet coordination center (also applicable on the rest of the class).  These five ships serve as fleet command ships for the following task force commanders:

• Ohio - Rydon Foldhazi 

• West Virginia - Luke Gainey

• New Jersey - Conner Zink

• California - Nicholas Lapord

• Iowa - John B.G.

      Various other roles for the ships are notable. One example is the role of Humanitarian Assistance. As a part of Nicholas Lapord's Fleet Modernization Program, all new ships of the UFP must carry some capability for Humanitarian Aid, and the Ohio-class carries substantial equipment in this field. Under-sing mounts allow for Humanitarian Aid-related material to be transported over long distances by capable vessels. Another role of the Ohio-class is that of Carrier Operations. While the Ohio is not a fighter, it's design specifications according to Gateway specifically included an ability to operate off Carrier Flight decks. The Spirit-class was able to be transported via Carriers, usually the smaller Wall-class, but the Ohio's can be operated from these small carries.