NORFOLK, Va. — Amphibious warfare ships are the centerpiece of the Navy-Marine Corps mission, playing critically essential roles in global operations, delivering Marines wherever they are needed to respond swiftly to crises anywhere in the world, from deterrence and major combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Congress in the Fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act mandated that the Navy and Marine Corps maintain not less than 31 operational larger amphibious ships.
But some members of Congress are now worried that the Defense Department could backslide on those numbers.
Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia, 1st District) and Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) point out that the Navy's 30-year shipbuilding plan envisions a Navy with less than 30 L-class ships through 2029, with capacity dropping even further in 2035.
In their letter, Wittman and Kelly ask the Pentagon's Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation or "CAPE" office to affirm the importance of meeting the 31-ship floor requirement.
"These amphibious ships are an irreplaceable asset for this nation's military, and they provide the capability if necessary to defend U.S. interests," said Wittman in an interview with 13News Now. "It's Congress' duty to direct the Department of Defense. Not the opposite. And they have a duty to execute what Congress puts in place."
The Chief of Naval Operations is on record supporting a 31-ship amphibious fleet.
Admiral Lisa Franchetti testified last September:
"I will continue to work with the commandant and secretary to meet the requirement of 31 amphibs."
