Clarification/Follow-up by tomder55 on 01/18/06 12:41 pm:
For a better understanding read this

Clarification/Follow-up by tomder55 on 01/18/06 2:03 pm:
Elliot ;

Walrus will most likely operate in areas where there is local air superiority and ground defenses are suppressed. In theory it enhances the ability to rapidly maneuver to critical points across the earth .Now you need forward basing ;deep sea ports and established runways in the region .Those needs are eliminated with this capability . This will not even require a tethering pole .It will eliminate the work of a fleet of C-130s ;which are getting quite a work out as you know .

How many boats surround a modern aircraft carrier whose job is to be willing to become bullet magnets ?

This is in the concept phase and not much money has been spent . Lockheed Martin is not in the business of selling lemons to the military and I'm sure part of their consideration will be the defense of the ship .