In a shocking development that underscores the growing strain on U.S. military capabilities, the Navy is contemplating sidelining 17 critical support ships due to an alarming shortage of qualified mariners. This decision, if approved, would mark one of the most significant retrenchments in recent naval history, leaving key assets docked and unmanned at a time when global maritime threats are intensifying.
The Military Sealift Command (MSC), the lifeline of naval logistics, has quietly drafted a plan to remove crews from a variety of Navy support ships. These include two Lewis and Clark-class replenishment vessels—ships that are the backbone of at-sea resupply missions—one fleet oiler essential for refueling operations, a dozen Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPFs) that provide rapid transport of troops and equipment, and two Navy expeditionary sea bases, which serve as floating forward-operating bases.
This sweeping proposal, informally dubbed “the great reset,” reveals the Navy’s stark reality: there simply aren’t enough qualified personnel to operate these vessels. As the Navy grapples with an aging mariner workforce and recruitment challenges, the potential sidelining of these ships sends a chilling message about the readiness of the U.S. military to respond to global crises.
The gravity of the situation is further emphasized by the fact that this drastic measure is now awaiting the approval of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti. The fate of these 17 ships, and the strategic capabilities they represent, hangs in the balance.
As tensions rise in the Pacific and beyond, the decision to potentially mothball these vessels could have far-reaching consequences. For a Navy already stretched thin, the loss of these ships’ operational capacity would be a crippling blow, leaving critical gaps in maritime logistics and rapid response capabilities.
This is not just a logistical challenge; it’s a looming crisis with national security implications. The U.S. Navy, a force once unrivaled on the seas, now faces a stark reality: without a sufficient number of qualified mariners, its ability to project power and protect national interests is under threat. The world is watching, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Sources:
https://news.usni.org/2024/08/22/navy-could-sideline-17-support-ships-due-to-manpower-issues
https://mxmnews.com/article/a8cad762-6234-4d6e-94ef-55f7c15cbb03