The future is here -- U.S. Navy fields laser weapons on carrier

By REV JIM PURCELL

There is no doubt we are at the portal of a new age in warfare. Lasers are in full operation on U.S. warships at sea. It is a new day, indeed, because once made practical lasers will never again fail to be valuable weapon systems in the Armed Forces.

I do not lament this. As a former intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army, I understand a few things: the force embraces technology, the future and enhancement of its weapons systems and believing it should be some other way is not sensible. Consequently, I am interested about how this technological edge will be translated into the nation's ground forces. But, that is a post for another time.

The main way the United States projects its powers throughout the world, on a day-to-day basis, is through the Navy. If there is a way to protect our sailors and ships, not to mention win battles at sea or on land, then it should be done.

The U.S. Navy has long been a technological trend-setter, creating ships and weapons that have played important roles during times of peace and war. That lasers are now an everyday thing means the advent of warfare on a new level on the seas.