Henrico Times

Senior leaders of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Congressman Trent Kelly (R-MS), have emphasized the importance of meeting the congressionally-mandated 31 L-class amphibious ship floor requirement in a cost-effective manner. In a letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Defense's Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office, the HASC leaders underscored the significance of achieving this critical requirement affordably.

"In the unclassified Battle Force Ship Assessment and Requirement (BFSAR) and Chief of Naval Operations Navigation Plan, both released in 2022, the Navy looks to maintain 31 traditional L-class amphibious ships," stated the senior HASC leaders in their letter.

The letter emphasizes the necessity of providing multiship procurement authority for amphibious vessels in the Fiscal Year 2025 presidential budget request to enhance U.S. force structure in the Indo-Pacific region and ensure stability for the shipbuilding industrial base.

Furthermore, the letter highlights the testimonies of Marine Corps and Navy leaders regarding the importance of maintaining amphibious ship capacity. Former Commandant of the Marine Corps General David Berger emphasized that amphibious warfare ships project power and demonstrate commitment to allies and partners. The congressionally mandated 31-ship floor is crucial for maintaining warfighting readiness and responsiveness of amphibious naval forces.

The HASC leaders also stressed the potential cost savings associated with multiyear procurement programs for America class and San Antonio class amphibious ships. According to the letter, such programs have the support of key figures in the Navy and are estimated to generate significant savings for taxpayers.

As part of their request to the Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office, the HASC leaders sought clarification on whether CAPE assessments align with the analysis of Navy and Marine Corps leaders regarding the savings from multiyear procurement of amphibious warfare ships. They also inquired about CAPE's stance on utilizing multiyear procurement authorities to meet the 31 L-class amphibious ship floor mandated by Congress.

The letter concluded with a commitment to working collaboratively to ensure the necessary resources are allocated to defend national interests and implement the important multiyear procurement acquisition for amphibious ships.