U.S. Military Commands Call for Enhanced Amphibious Readiness
The demand for amphibious ready groups (ARG) and Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) has significantly increased, according to top military officials. This rising need is echoed by the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, highlighting the strategic importance of these forces.
During an address at Modern Day Marine in Washington, U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith revealed that the demand for ARG-MEUs has surpassed the desired 3.0 presence. “I won’t say how many of the ARG-MEUs our combat commanders asked for, but it is well north of three,” he stated. “Like double that.”
Requests for these essential units are coming from various military commands, including the Southern Command, European Command, U.S. Central Command, and U.S. Africa Command. A 3.0 presence involves having a three-ship ARG-MEU constantly deployed: one from the East Coast, one from the West Coast, and the 31st MEU periodically deploying from Okinawa, Japan.
Currently, the 22nd MEU is engaged in Operation Southern Spear, while the 31st MEU supports Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the 11th MEU is reportedly en route to the Middle East but is currently conducting routine patrols around the southern Philippines.
Gen. Smith emphasized the versatility of ARG-MEUs, describing them as a flexible tool in the Defense Department’s arsenal, capable of delivering humanitarian aid, conducting non-combatant evacuations, and executing key strikes. However, maintaining a permanent 3.0 ARG-MEU presence has proven challenging, highlighting the urgent need to bolster the Marine Corps and Navy’s capabilities.
“This is our number one priority and it remains my personal north star as a commandant,” Smith affirmed. Yet, the current fleet of 32 amphibious ships is insufficient, with half in poor condition, as noted in a 2024 U.S. Government Accountability Office report.
A defense official disclosed that the readiness of amphibious ships had fallen to 41%, despite the Marine Corps’ goal of maintaining an 80% readiness rate. To address this, the Marine Corps is improving maintenance schedules, investing in service life extensions, and procuring new ships.
Brig. Gen. Lee Meyer, the Director of Expeditionary Warfare, shared that the Navy has extended the service life of the USS Wasp following a study on Wasp-class amphibious assault ships. Further studies on amphibious dock landing ships are expected soon.
The Navy and Marine Corps have also launched the Amphibious Force Readiness Board to explore ways to maintain, modernize, and expand the amphibious fleet. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle clarified that this board is not a study group but a platform for action. “Far too long amphibious readiness has absorbed the cumulative effects of aging systems, deferred maintenance, supply chain, friction, workforce shortages, and high operational tempo,” Caudle stated. “So, we are attacking the problem directly.”
