Blue Ridge-class command ship

Common card · No. 316771

The Blue Ridge class is the first and only class of amphibious command and control ships to be specifically designed as such from the keel up. The Blue Ridge class resulted from almost seven years of planning and construction work. Under the designation SCB-248 (later SCB-400.65), the hull of the Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship was used as the basis of the design due to the flight deck's ability to distance antennas to minimize interference between the ships' multiple communications systems and to the deck's ability to act as a ground plane; the LPH island was replaced with a small centralized superstructure. As designed, the Blue Ridge class was capable of supporting the staff of both the Commander of an Amphibious Task Force and the staff of the Commanding General of the Landing Force. The ships were the most advanced joint amphibious command-and-control centers constructed at the time, due to their advanced computer systems, extensive communications package and modern surveillance...

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