Thermopylae-class Cruiser

The UNSC Thermopylae was a replacement for the aging Marathon- and the even older Halcyon-class cruisers. Improving on the tried and tested design of the Marathon-class, it has improved its armour, weaponry, sensors, and engines, creating a ship that far exceeds its predecessor. Possessing firepower, armour, and speed, the Thermopylae-class represents the backbone of the UNSC Navy. 
The Thermopylae-class Cruiser uses the basic design of the Marathon-class, sharing much of its superstructure, and internal structure, but has radically altered the armour plating design, and has a newly designed drive section, giving it improved armour and power. The weapon systems have been reorganised to improve both offensive and defensive fire. The ship also includes next-gen sensor elements and shield components, making it cutting edge in capability, if not in appearance. 
The Thermopylae-class works as a multi-role vessel, providing offence against enemy capital ships, and defence for the Battle Group's carrier. Such vessels serve to hammer the enemy at range and provide area defence through ship-board weaponry and on-board aircraft. It can also conduct assault missions, being capable of carrying a sizeable marine unit for deploying to the ground for combat operations. Such missions can include relief, reaction forces, peace keeping, or reconnaissance. For naval combat, the UNSCN strategy dictates that a Thermopylae-class never engage alone, and always conducts strike operations in tandem with another cruiser, or with a supporting squadron of escorts, moving the advantage to the UNSC vessels. 
Often, these form a vital cruiser line in any Battle Group, but also form independent cruiser squadrons, being used as flexible units for reinforcing the naval line. The cruiser excels in frontal assault roles, with a slim profile, and the ability to train a number of its guns to forward positions, it can avoid enemy fire, and pound the enemy with withering fire in return. 
==UNSC Comments==
"She looks like a smoother Marathon-class and she's a lot faster and boy does she back a punch."
"Gone are the days of frigates and destroyers incapacitating our mightiest vessels!"
==Ships of the line==
*UNSC Thor
*
*UNSC Heart of Iron
*UNSC Chicago
*UNSC Newcastle
*UNSC Capetown
*UNSC Storm Bringer
*UNSC Gothic
*UNSC Telamon
*UNSC Warbringer
*UNSC Midway
*UNSC Constitution
*UNSC Ruby
*UNSC Rodan
*UNSC Anguirus
Category:Cruiser classes
Category:UNSC Ship Classes