Non-Subscriber ExtractUSMC chief warns of amphibious forces under stress |
 |
|
By Sam LaGrone
22 January 2010
The Commandant of the US Marine Corps (USMC) has expressed concern over the future of the US Navy's amphibious fleet, telling conference delegates that it is "the most stressed capability" in the United States' armed forces.
Speaking at the Surface Navy Association (SNA) symposium near Washington, DC, on 14 January, General James Conway said amphibious ship programmes were ranked below other shipbuilding priorities in the navy's procurement plan.
The USMC has pushed for a 33-ship amphibious fleet to support a rapid-strike capability from the sea for the service's seven marine expeditionary units.