Lone,
"Proceedings" this month has some interesting articles that relate to this recent discussion about "future use" and strategy.
Opening page dices "SPY-6" radar technology and mentions Hypersonic Missile threats as Land to Sea missile technology has forced a change in the Navy/Marine Corps thinking on amphibious operations against a hostile shore.
The Marines have undergone a complete strategy change under General Berger's guidance that significantly alters conventional thinking by the Marines.
I found the article "Changing Geometry Of PLA Navy Carrier Ops" to be very informative about the growing capability and threat the PLAN is developing.
Additionally, the advent of the US Navy's Expeditionary Sea Base Ships at some point could play into the tactical use of the 280.
In the past the US Army has used leased civilian oil field support barges for covert operations in the Persian Gulf.
Guessing at a winning strategy with the rapid changes in technology is a difficult task these days.....let's hope the planners get it right.