The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will move forward with the existing design of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship in fiscal 2025, according to Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl. Concerns about scaling down the ship’s design have been dismissed after the Defense Department-led effort to create a scaled-down design to reduce costs back in March 2023.
The first LPD Flight II ship is currently in construction and is expected to be delivered to the fleet in the coming years. Industry leaders, lawmakers, and Marines are advocating for full funding for the next ship in the class, LPD-33, in the FY25 budget. They are also seeking predictable funding for other amphibious ships to ensure readiness.
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Christopher Mahoney emphasized the need for regular intervals for LPDs and LHAs, as well as additional funding for the Landing Ship Medium program, to improve the Marine Corps’ ability to move forces around a theater. The Marine Corps is currently facing challenges, with deployments straining personnel and delaying maintenance on ships.
The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit have been on deployment since July, while the Boxer ARG and 15th MEU are currently split. This has highlighted the importance of consistent funding for amphibious vessels to maintain readiness and support operational requirements.
