Marine Corps Eyeing Additional Amphibious Ships
By Jon Harper
The Navy hopes to boost the size of its fleet in the coming years after President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Adding amphibious ships to the force would be the top priority for the Marine Corps if more money is injected into the shipbuilding account, the service’s commandant said Jan. 12.
For years, the Marines have complained of a shortage of such vessels. There are currently 32 in the inventory.
“We’ve got a stated requirement of 38,” Gen. Robert Neller said at the Surface Navy Association symposium in Arlington, Virginia. “Those special purpose [Marine air-ground task forces] probably wouldn’t have to be land-based if we had more amphibious ships.” And commanders such as U.S. Southern Command leader Adm. Kurt Tidd “wouldn’t have to come up here with his tin cup in hand” and ask for more assets, he added.
http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=2394
