If MIW is such a valuable mission, then put the assets that can best handle it to the problem - the MCMs (or some future LCS with a MIW package.) They sweep 24/7, vice the on-station time and aircraft availability issues that plague the 60S and 53E, respectively. Just because a mission CAN be done by an airborne asset doesn't mean that it SHOULD be done with an airborne asset. Furthermore, in our own lessons learned from Desert Storm the Navy said that preventing mining - not eliminating mines - would be key to future successful engagements.
That being said, I think that having a reliable heavy VOD capability is something that big Navy doesn't want to do without. Whether it's a 53 variant or some other airframe, they'll keep it around.
That being said, I think that having a reliable heavy VOD capability is something that big Navy doesn't want to do without. Whether it's a 53 variant or some other airframe, they'll keep it around.