The Marines and Navy are at an impasse over future of the Light Amphibious Warships (LAWs). The Marines remain committed to their plan for 35 beachable ships to ferry units between islands in the Pacific. CNO Adm. Mike Gilday’s 2022 plan calls for 18. “The Light Amphibious Warship is absolutely required – up to 35 of them," Assistant Commandant Gen. Eric Smith said last week at Defense News’ annual conference. The two perspectives on cost is likely driving the different numbers of LAWs the Navy and Marines say is required. Work on the program continues with a requirements evaluation team. (Source: Marine Corps, Navy Remain Split Over Design, Number of Future Light Amphibious Warship, Divide Risks Stalling Program - USNI News
REGIONAL NOTE: In 2021, the Navy issued five companies – Fincantieri, Austal USA of Alabama, Halter Marine of Mississippi, Bollinger and TAI Engineers of Louisiana – concept design contracts. Austal USA published a rendering of its LAW design. Halter Marine already builds LSTs – Landing Ship, Tanks – which are beachable and can carry Marines and equipment.
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