Marine leaders are set to make a decision this year regarding the outfitting of each of their divisions with a maritime reconnaissance company as well as new medium-sized ships intended for littoral operations. This announcement was highlighted by Lt. Col. Brian Lusczynski during his presentation at the annual Modern Day Marine military exposition in Washington.
The proposed reconnaissance companies would serve the Marine Corps’ three active-duty divisions and could include between 12 to 18 multi-mission reconnaissance watercraft. Additionally, these companies are expected to integrate an undisclosed number of unmanned vessels that will accompany them during operations. Lt. Col. Lusczynski clarified, “We don’t expect to be trading lead and paint with a destroyer,” emphasizing the nature of their operations.
The medium-sized watercraft envisioned must surpass the capabilities of the current Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and be engineered to withstand open-water conditions. They need to be capable of transporting Marines, their gear, and adequate command-and-control equipment for various missions. Lusczynski highlighted, “You get 10 to 15 miles offshore and you start experiencing open-ocean conditions,” underscoring the importance of these operational demands.
In recent years, some groundwork has already been laid by the Marine Corps Reserve to understand the requirements of this new formation. Notably, in 2023, Marine Corps Systems Command sought input from the industry regarding small drone watercraft suitable for scouting and reconnaissance, which would complement the new multi-mission reconnaissance craft.
The design of these vessels will enable remote steering from shore or from any location within communications range at sea. The focus will be on the “littoral operating environment,” which encompasses the waters between land and the open sea. Furthermore, the craft need to be lightweight for transportation, capable of being lifted by a Marine CH-53 heavy-lift helicopter or light tactical vehicle, and small enough to fit inside a C-130 aircraft.
Marine Corps Times previously reported on the activities of the 4th Assault Amphibious Battalion, a reserve unit based in Tampa Bay, Florida, which conducted experiments with small watercraft in 2023. If the new boats are adopted, they would be utilized for reconnaissance, sensing, tactical maneuvers, and logistical support in maritime operations. This would provide Marines with the tactical advantage of being less detectable than larger vessels and faster than the current amphibious combat vehicle, which is the most commonly used connector for ship-to-shore operations.
Additionally, small boats would facilitate the ability for Marines to engage while in deeper water, as noted in a U.S. Naval Institute analysis from 2020.
Todd South, the author of this report, has a background in covering crime, courts, government, and the military, and is a Marine veteran of the Iraq War. He was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2014 for a co-written project on witness intimidation.
