Armed Forces News

Coral Sea - Aug 2017: Landing Craft Air Cushion 21, assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, approaches the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during amphibious integration training. (Navy photo by MCS 3rd Class William Sykes)

Navy light amphibious warships and the Marine Corps units they transport would become stealthier and thus safer, according to an Office of Naval Research (ONR) effort now underway.

The activity is closely linked to the establishment of the Corps’ 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment. Seapower magazine reported that ONR and service officials are working to have a plan in place by sometime next year, when the unit becomes fully operationally capable. Marine Corps and ONR leadership addressed the enterprise during the National Defense Industrial Association’s (NDIA) virtual Expeditionary Warfare Conference last month.

The light amphibious warship is projected to serve as a bridge between the large L-class amphibious warfare vessels and smaller ones like the air cushioned landing craft, Seapower reported. Designed to be mobile, maneuverable and hard to spot, the light amphibious warship is now in developmental stages. ONR sees reducing food and fuel demands as keys to success, Seapower reported.

“If you emit, you’re a target. If you don’t, you’re blind, Marine Corps Col. William DePue Jr., ONR’s Expeditionary Portfolio director, told the virtual audience, as reported by Seapower.

Emissions from light amphibious warships should ideally occur in ways that limit or prevent enemies from identifying them.

The research team also wants to reduce the proposed food and fuel demands, thus mitigating threats to both the new vessels and supply ships.

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