SUMMARY: The Navy’s amphibious fleet, essential for transporting Marines and equipment, faces significant challenges, with half of its 32 ships in poor condition, according to a Government Accountability Office report. The Navy, required to maintain 31 operational ships, has canceled critical maintenance and retired vessels early, resulting in reliance on neglected ships. Maintenance issues, supply challenges, and reliance on metrics for availability hinder operational effectiveness. The Navy has received recommendations to improve availability, update maintenance policies, and potentially extend ships’ service lives, with estimated costs reaching $1 billion per ship. Cooperation between the Navy and Marine Corps is crucial for effective fleet utilization.

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