This is the other topic that had my inbox blowing up yesterday. Check this out from Marine Corps Times...
“Simply put, our current and proposed surface-connector inventory does not meet the current or future requirements and ability to maneuver from increased range beyond the threat,” Amos writes.Read the entire article.
To fill the gap in ship-to-shore capabilities Amos proposes revising current programs like the Joint High Speed Vessel by modifying them to have ramps that can launch amphibious vehicles.
He proposes looking at existing technology like the U.S.-produced Landing Catamaran, or L-CAT, which is now used by French forces. The L-CAT can move at 23 mph for up to 200 miles, meaning 100 nautical miles would still take it roughly 4.5 hours to traverse
Amos also mentions the experimental Ultra Heavy-Lift Amphibious Connector. The UHAC can also move at 20 knots, roll onto a beach and even scale 10-foot sea walls. The vehicle has caught some criticism for its outlandish design though, particularly the plainly visible pilot’s bay.
Finally, he mentions future connectors that only exist “on PowerPoint” like the T-CRAFT a gargantuan high-speed craft than can ride up onto beaches. Although it does not offer a short-term solution, Amos says all options should be explored and he welcomes the input of academia, industry and other services.
Part of the challenge is great standoff distance now needed to keep ships safe from the expanding threat of anti-ship missiles which are rapidly proliferating among poorer nations and could even be deployed by non-state actors.
My take on things?
Doesn't matter. No one is listening to Amos anyway. The reality is stark and simple. We're waiting for him to leave office so we can fix what he's fucked up.
But what about the merits of his argument?
Its silliness wrapped in a handbag. Pushing amphibious shipping out to even 200 miles offshore will not protect MPS ships from enemy action. Additionally if this is the new rule then we're talking about not being able to utilize them in several areas around the world where we could expect to need the firepower of a Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Its really quite simple. HQMC is going to have to accept that it must be prepared to do the Marine thing. We're going to have to join with our sister service and fight to the shore, establish a beach head/seize a port, secure it, expand on it and then conduct administrative landings of follow on forces.
