Navy sidelines 17 support ships due to personnel shortages

In recent weeks, the U.S. Navy announced that it would be sidelining 17 ships as part of a plan to address an ongoing shortage of civilian mariners. The decision has raised significant concerns within the Marine Corps regarding its ability to effectively transport and supply troops during a critical period for training and readiness. The Military Sealift commander provided confirmation of this development and indicated that this plan would unfold over the next two years, although specific timelines for the return of ships to active service remain unclear. The sidelining of these vessels will have direct implications for the Marine Corps, as many of the ships play crucial roles in supporting operations such as the Marine Expeditionary Units and stand-in forces. Previously, discussions around a potential reset for the Navy's operational fleet had indicated that up to 16 of the 17 sidelined ships have specific ties to Marine Corps operations. This situation is compounded by existing challenges within the Navy, which is facing low readiness rates for its amphibious fleet. The amphibious warships are essential for rapid deployment in response to global crises, and the Marine Corps has previously struggled to mobilize quickly in high-pressure situations due to delays in ship availability. Recent examples of these issues include the inability to deploy amphibious ships during critical events, such as the Turkish earthquake, and the evacuation of Americans from Sudan. The Navy's ongoing construction and maintenance struggles, further exacerbated by shortages in shipyard personnel, cast additional light on the challenges that must be addressed to ensure the effectiveness of maritime operations moving forward. With projections indicating a potential 40,000-worker shortfall in the maritime industry by 2030, the implications for future naval readiness and capability could be significant as the Navy seeks to rebuild its industrial base and enhance operational efficiency.