A critical push is underway within the United States Navy and Marine Corps to overhaul the readiness of their amphibious warship fleet. A new high-level board has been established, signaling a concerted effort to accelerate progress, dismantle existing obstacles, and ensure these vital assets are fit for purpose in an increasingly complex global environment.
A New Board Takes Command: Confronting Readiness Barriers
„We’re going to be identifying barriers to readiness, figuring out what levers we can pull to improve that readiness and make sure that we are managing and keeping an eye on the right metrics to make sure that we are increasing amphibious readiness,” stated Maj. Gen. Jason Morris, director of the Marine Corps’ operations division. His comments underscore the gravity of the situation, where the ability to project power and respond to crises hinges on these specialized vessels.
For years, the state of amphibious warships and their combat surge readiness has been a contentious issue among service leaders and lawmakers. However, both the Navy and Marine Corps affirm they are now operating in lockstep to rectify a persistent shortfall, claiming gradual improvements are being made. Central to this renewed effort is the Amphibious Force Readiness Board (AFRB), which held its inaugural meeting on Thursday. This board is slated to convene monthly, providing direct briefings to Secretary of the Navy John Phelan and other service chiefs on the challenges of generating more ships, alongside their ongoing maintenance and modernization.
Morris emphasized the importance of this sustained focus: „If you don’t work on something day-to-day on a regular basis, sometimes it falls off the priority list, but this AFRB is going to put this [amphibious readiness] squarely in on the front burner of the service chiefs to make sure that they are keeping a laser focus on the issues, and that we are making forward progress.”
The ARG-MEU Gap: Demand Outstrips Supply
An Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) typically comprises an assault ship, a transport dock, and a support vessel, carrying an embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of at least 2,200 Marines – collectively known as an “ARG-MEU.” These formidable forces are designed for a broad spectrum of missions, from humanitarian aid to full-scale amphibious assaults. The Navy bears the responsibility for the upkeep of these crucial vessels.
The Marine Corps aims to sustain a 3.0 ARG-MEU presence, involving three three-ship ARG-MEUs: one forward-deployed from the East Coast, one from the West Coast, and another periodically dispatched from Okinawa, Japan. However, the reality reveals a significant disparity. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith noted in May 2025 that combatant commanders were requesting a 5.5 ARG-MEU presence (more than five three-ship formations), yet the service could only provide a mere 1.0.
This stark gap has prompted direct intervention from the highest levels. Morris confirmed that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary Phelan have mandated the services to „do everything we can to get to a 3.0 MEU presence as quickly as possible.” He added, „So that will probably happen in the next few years, but we’re definitely under the guidance to accelerate that as quickly as possible, and find efficiencies and find best practices, and basically provide the oversight required to reduce particular readiness drivers.”
Tackling „Readiness Drivers”: From Parts to Policy
„Readiness drivers” are the systemic obstacles hindering fleet availability, such as the routine need for replacement parts. Morris highlighted a pragmatic solution: „We can address that readiness driver by buying more of those parts up front so they’re readily available on the shelves, so the maintainers can reinstall those parts when they go down.” This proactive approach aims to streamline maintenance and minimize downtime.
Despite the persistent challenges in meeting the 3.0 ARG-MEU presence goal, service leaders report a gradual improvement in readiness and an increasing availability of ships.
Still Short of the Mark: The 80 Percent Goal
Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby recently testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, revealing that amphibious warships currently boast a 53 percent combat surge readiness rate – an increase from 42 percent last year. Yet, he conceded, this remains significantly below desired targets. „I don’t feel good about that because our goal is 80 percent,” Kilby stated.
Marine Corps Gen. Bradford Gering, the service’s assistant commandant, speaking at the same hearing, confirmed his and Kilby’s (both co-chairs of the AFRB) „complete alignment” on efforts to boost amphibious readiness. Gering indicated the board would rigorously assess the precise number of amphibious ships the fleet truly requires. Current legislation mandates a fleet of at least 31 amphibious ships, but Gering suggested that closer to 40 might be necessary to meet operational demands. „I would think it’s probably somewhere near 40, but we have to put more rigor into that analysis,” he remarked.
A Warning from Watchdogs: The Looming Risk to Global Power Projection
The condition of the Navy’s amphibious ships has come under intense scrutiny, with a December 2024 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) finding that half of the vessels were in „poor condition.” The report cited critical issues such as a lack of spare parts and canceled maintenance as contributing factors to this alarming state.
Lt. Gen. Jay Bargeron, the Marine Corps’ deputy commandant for plans, policies, and operations, issued a stark warning: “The current shortfall in amphibious warship availability is a risk to our nation’s ability to project power, respond to crises, and maintain deterrence in key maritime regions.” He emphasized the indispensable role of these ships: „These ships are the cornerstone of naval expeditionary warfare, providing the global persistence and versatility required to defend the Homeland. This gap strains our readiness, reduces our operational tempo, and ultimately cedes initiative to our adversaries, who may perceive a lack of capability.” The message is clear: the future of America’s maritime dominance hinges on revitalizing this foundational fleet.
