The latest amphibious warfare ship MOU directly addresses the issues that have plagued recent MEU deployments.
The lack of readily available amphibious warships, particularly the large-deck ships crucial for carrying Marine helicopters and jets, threw deployment schedules into disarray.
For example, the 15th MEU’s deployment to the Western Pacific for key exercises like Cobra Gold in Thailand was split in two due to maintenance delays on the USS Boxer (LHD-4). This meant scrambling to adjust plans and potentially sacrificing valuable training opportunities.
Lt. General Karsten Heckl, the Marine Corps deputy commandant for combat development, attributed these problems to the lingering effects of long deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We’ve ground our forces up pretty good,” Heckl said during a panel in May, “[…] and now we’re paying for it.”
The constant operational tempo took a toll on the Navy’s amphibious fleet, leading to a backlog of maintenance and a shortage of truly mission-ready ships.
While the new standardized readiness system won’t solve the maintenance backlog overnight, it’s a crucial step towards smoother deployments and a more effective amphibious warfare capability.
The Navy and Marines can ensure their MEUs are ready to deploy as a cohesive unit by speaking the same language. This translates to a faster response time in crisis situations and a more credible deterrent to potential adversaries.
The agreement also paves the way for improved training opportunities.
With a clearer picture of ship availability, the Navy and Marines can tailor training exercises to maximize their effectiveness. This translates to a more skilled and confident force, ready to tackle any challenge that may arise.
You can check out the signed joint MOU here.
Closing Thoughts: A Stronger Partnership for a More Capable America
While challenges remain, the new MOU marks a significant step forward for the Navy-Marine Corps partnership. By working together and adopting a common language for ship readiness, these two vital branches are ensuring that America’s amphibious warfare capabilities remain a force to be reckoned with.
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