Navy Medium Landing Ship (LSM) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

Changes from March 2, 2022 to March 31, 2022

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW)
March March 231, 2022 , 2022
Program: Background and Issues for Congress
Ronald O'Rourke
The Navy’s new Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) program envisions procuring a class of 24 to The Navy’s new Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) program envisions procuring a class of 24 to
Specialist in Naval Affairs Specialist in Naval Affairs
35 new amphibious ships to support the Marine Corps, particularly in implementing a new 35 new amphibious ships to support the Marine Corps, particularly in implementing a new

Marine Corps operational concept called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). (A Marine Corps operational concept called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). (A
June 17, 2021, long-range Navy shipbuilding document envisions procuring a total of 24 to 35 June 17, 2021, long-range Navy shipbuilding document envisions procuring a total of 24 to 35

LAWs, while other Navy documents refer to a requirement for 35 LAWs.) The Navy envisions LAWs, while other Navy documents refer to a requirement for 35 LAWs.) The Navy envisions
the first LAW being procured in FY2023. The Navy’s proposed FY2022 budget the first LAW being procured in FY2023. The Navy’s proposed FY2022 budget ~~requests~~requested $13.2 million in research and $13.2 million in research and
development funding for the program. development funding for the program.
The EABO concept was developed with an eye toward potential conflict scenarios with China in the Western Pacific. Under The EABO concept was developed with an eye toward potential conflict scenarios with China in the Western Pacific. Under
the concept, the Marine Corps envisions, among other things, having reinforced-platoon-sized Marine Corps units maneuver the concept, the Marine Corps envisions, among other things, having reinforced-platoon-sized Marine Corps units maneuver
around the theater, moving from island to island, to fire anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs) and perform other missions so as around the theater, moving from island to island, to fire anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs) and perform other missions so as
to contribute, alongside Navy and other U.S. military forces, to U.S. operations to counter and deny sea control to Chinese to contribute, alongside Navy and other U.S. military forces, to U.S. operations to counter and deny sea control to Chinese
forces. The LAW ships would be instrumental to these operations, with LAWs embarking, transporting, landing, and forces. The LAW ships would be instrumental to these operations, with LAWs embarking, transporting, landing, and
subsequently reembarking these small Marine Corps units. subsequently reembarking these small Marine Corps units.
As conceived by the Navy and Marine Corps, LAWs would be much smaller and individually much less expensive to procure As conceived by the Navy and Marine Corps, LAWs would be much smaller and individually much less expensive to procure
and operate than the Navy’s current amphibious ships. The Navy estimated in July 2021 that the first LAW would cost about and operate than the Navy’s current amphibious ships. The Navy estimated in July 2021 that the first LAW would cost about
$156 million to procure, and that subsequent LAWs would cost about $130 million each to procure. In February 2022, a $156 million to procure, and that subsequent LAWs would cost about $130 million each to procure. In February 2022, a
Navy official, providing a somewhat different figure, reportedly stated that the Navy wants each LAW to cost $150 million Navy official, providing a somewhat different figure, reportedly stated that the Navy wants each LAW to cost $150 million
or less. or less.
The LAW as outlined by the Navy is small enough that it could be built by any of several U.S. shipyards. The Navy’s The LAW as outlined by the Navy is small enough that it could be built by any of several U.S. shipyards. The Navy’s
baseline preference is to have a single shipyard build all the ships, but the Navy is open to having them built in multiple yards baseline preference is to have a single shipyard build all the ships, but the Navy is open to having them built in multiple yards
to the same design if doing so could permit the program to be implemented more quickly and/or less expensively. The Navy to the same design if doing so could permit the program to be implemented more quickly and/or less expensively. The Navy
plans to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the detail design and construction (DD&C) contract for the LAW plans to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the detail design and construction (DD&C) contract for the LAW
program in the second quarter of FY2022, and to award the contract in the first quester of FY2023. program in the second quarter of FY2022, and to award the contract in the first quester of FY2023.
The LAW program poses a number of potential oversight matters for Congress, including the merits of the EABO concept, The LAW program poses a number of potential oversight matters for Congress, including the merits of the EABO concept,
how LAWs would fit into the Navy’s future fleet architecture, the Navy’s preliminary unit procurement cost target for the how LAWs would fit into the Navy’s future fleet architecture, the Navy’s preliminary unit procurement cost target for the
ship, and the industrial-base implications of the program. ship, and the industrial-base implications of the program.
The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy’s annual funding requests and envisioned The issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy’s annual funding requests and envisioned
acquisition strategy for the program. Congress’s decisions regarding the program could affect Navy and Marine Corps acquisition strategy for the program. Congress’s decisions regarding the program could affect Navy and Marine Corps
capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

Introduction
This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Navy’s new Light This report provides background information and issues for Congress on the Navy’s new Light
Amphibious Warship (LAW) program, which envisions procuring a class of 24 to 35 new Amphibious Warship (LAW) program, which envisions procuring a class of 24 to 35 new
amphibious ships to support the Marine Corps, particularly in implementing a new Marine Corps amphibious ships to support the Marine Corps, particularly in implementing a new Marine Corps
operational concept called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). The Navy operational concept called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). The Navy
envisions the first LAW being procured in FY2023. The Navy’s proposed FY2022 budget envisions the first LAW being procured in FY2023. The Navy’s proposed FY2022 budget
~~requests~~requested $13.2 million in research and development funding for the program. $13.2 million in research and development funding for the program.
The LAW program poses a number of potential oversight matters for Congress. The issue for The LAW program poses a number of potential oversight matters for Congress. The issue for
Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy’s annual funding requests and Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify the Navy’s annual funding requests and
envisioned acquisition strategy for the program. Congress’s decisions regarding the program envisioned acquisition strategy for the program. Congress’s decisions regarding the program
could affect Navy and Marine Corps capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S. could affect Navy and Marine Corps capabilities and funding requirements and the U.S.
shipbuilding industrial base. shipbuilding industrial base.
A separate CRS report discusses the Navy’s programs for building much-larger LPD-17 Flight II A separate CRS report discusses the Navy’s programs for building much-larger LPD-17 Flight II
and LHA-class amphibious ships.1 Other CRS reports provide an overview of new Navy and and LHA-class amphibious ships.1 Other CRS reports provide an overview of new Navy and
Marine Corps operational concepts, including EABO, the overall strategic and budgetary context Marine Corps operational concepts, including EABO, the overall strategic and budgetary context
in which amphibious ship and other Navy shipbuilding programs may be considered, and the in which amphibious ship and other Navy shipbuilding programs may be considered, and the
Marine Corps’ plans for redesigning Marine Corps units and their equipment.2 Marine Corps’ plans for redesigning Marine Corps units and their equipment.2
Background
U.S. Navy Amphibious Ships in General
Roles and Missions
Navy amphibious ships are operated by the Navy, with crews consisting of Navy personnel. They Navy amphibious ships are operated by the Navy, with crews consisting of Navy personnel. They
are battle force ships, meaning ships that count toward the quoted size of the Navy. The primary are battle force ships, meaning ships that count toward the quoted size of the Navy. The primary
function of Navy amphibious ships is to lift (i.e., transport) embarked U.S. Marines and their function of Navy amphibious ships is to lift (i.e., transport) embarked U.S. Marines and their
weapons, equipment, and supplies to distant operating areas, and enable Marines to conduct weapons, equipment, and supplies to distant operating areas, and enable Marines to conduct
expeditionary operations ashore in those areas. Although amphibious ships can be used to support expeditionary operations ashore in those areas. Although amphibious ships can be used to support
Marine landings against opposing military forces, they are also used for operations in permissive Marine landings against opposing military forces, they are also used for operations in permissive
or benign situations where there are no opposing forces. Due to their large storage spaces and or benign situations where there are no opposing forces. Due to their large storage spaces and
their ability to use helicopters and landing craft to transfer people, equipment, and supplies from their ability to use helicopters and landing craft to transfer people, equipment, and supplies from
ship to shore without need for port facilities,3 amphibious ships are potentially useful for a range ship to shore without need for port facilities,3 amphibious ships are potentially useful for a range
of combat and noncombat operations.4 of combat and noncombat operations.4

1 CRS Report R43543, 1 CRS Report R43543, Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for
Congress, by Ronald O'Rourke. , by Ronald O'Rourke.
2 CRS Report RL32665, 2 CRS Report RL32665, Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and Issues for Congress, by , by
Ronald O'Rourke; and CRS Insight IN11281, Ronald O'Rourke; and CRS Insight IN11281, New U.S. Marine Corps Force Design Initiatives, by Andrew Feickert. , by Andrew Feickert.
3 Amphibious ships have berthing spaces for Marines; storage space for their wheeled vehicles, their other combat 3 Amphibious ships have berthing spaces for Marines; storage space for their wheeled vehicles, their other combat
equipment, and their supplies; flight decks and hangar decks for their helicopters and vertical take-off and landing equipment, and their supplies; flight decks and hangar decks for their helicopters and vertical take-off and landing
(VTOL) fixed-wing aircraft; and in many cases well decks for storing and launching their landing craft. (A well deck is (VTOL) fixed-wing aircraft; and in many cases well decks for storing and launching their landing craft. (A well deck is
a large, garage-like space in the stern of the ship. It can be flooded with water so that landing craft can leave or return a large, garage-like space in the stern of the ship. It can be flooded with water so that landing craft can leave or return
to the ship. Access to the well deck is protected by a large stern gate that is somewhat like a garage door.) to the ship. Access to the well deck is protected by a large stern gate that is somewhat like a garage door.)
4 Amphibious ships and their embarked Marine forces can be used for launching and conducting humanitarian- 4 Amphibious ships and their embarked Marine forces can be used for launching and conducting humanitarian-
assistance and disaster-response (HA/DR) operations; peacetime engagement and partnership-building activities, such assistance and disaster-response (HA/DR) operations; peacetime engagement and partnership-building activities, such
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
1 1

link to page 5 link to page 5 Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

On any given day, some of the Navy’s amphibious ships, like some of the Navy’s other ships, are On any given day, some of the Navy’s amphibious ships, like some of the Navy’s other ships, are
forward-deployed to various overseas operating areas in multiship formations called amphibious forward-deployed to various overseas operating areas in multiship formations called amphibious
groups (ARGs). Amphibious ships are also sometimes forward-deployed on an individual basis, groups (ARGs). Amphibious ships are also sometimes forward-deployed on an individual basis,
particularly for conducting peacetime engagement activities with foreign countries or for particularly for conducting peacetime engagement activities with foreign countries or for
responding to smaller-scale or noncombat contingencies. responding to smaller-scale or noncombat contingencies.
Current Types of Amphibious Ships
The Navy’s current amphibious-ship force consists entirely of large amphibious ships, including The Navy’s current amphibious-ship force consists entirely of large amphibious ships, including
the so-called “big-deck” amphibious assault ships, designated LHA and LHD, which look like the so-called “big-deck” amphibious assault ships, designated LHA and LHD, which look like
medium-sized aircraft carriers, and the smaller (but still quite sizeable) amphibious ships, medium-sized aircraft carriers, and the smaller (but still quite sizeable) amphibious ships,
designated LPD or LSD, which are sometimes called “small-deck” amphibious ships.5 As designated LPD or LSD, which are sometimes called “small-deck” amphibious ships.5 As
mentioned earlier, a separate CRS report discusses the Navy’s current programs for procuring mentioned earlier, a separate CRS report discusses the Navy’s current programs for procuring
new LHA- and LPD-type ships.6 The LAWs discussed in this CRS report would be much smaller new LHA- and LPD-type ships.6 The LAWs discussed in this CRS report would be much smaller
than the Navy’s current amphibious ships. than the Navy’s current amphibious ships.
Amphibious Ship Force Level at End of FY2020
The Navy’s force of amphibious ships at the end of FY2020 included 33 ships, including 10 The Navy’s force of amphibious ships at the end of FY2020 included 33 ships, including 10
amphibious assault ships (2 LHAs and 8 LHDs), 11 LPD-17 Flight I ships, and 12 older LSD-amphibious assault ships (2 LHAs and 8 LHDs), 11 LPD-17 Flight I ships, and 12 older LSD-
41/49 class ships. The LSD-41/49 class ships are to be replaced by new LPD-17 Flight II class 41/49 class ships. The LSD-41/49 class ships are to be replaced by new LPD-17 Flight II class
ships. ships.
One of the Navy’s LHDs— One of the Navy’s LHDs—Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6)—was extensively damaged by a fire in (LHD-6)—was extensively damaged by a fire in
July 2020. It was decommissioned on April 15, 2021, and will be scrapped.7 Excluding LHD-6, July 2020. It was decommissioned on April 15, 2021, and will be scrapped.7 Excluding LHD-6,

as exercises; other nation-building operations, such as reconstruction operations; operations to train, advise, and assist as exercises; other nation-building operations, such as reconstruction operations; operations to train, advise, and assist
foreign military forces; peace-enforcement operations; noncombatant evacuation operations (NEOs); maritime-security foreign military forces; peace-enforcement operations; noncombatant evacuation operations (NEOs); maritime-security
operations, such as anti-piracy operations; smaller-scale strike and counter-terrorism operations; and larger-scale operations, such as anti-piracy operations; smaller-scale strike and counter-terrorism operations; and larger-scale
ground combat operations. Amphibious ships and their embarked Marine forces can also be used for maintaining ground combat operations. Amphibious ships and their embarked Marine forces can also be used for maintaining
forward-deployed naval presence for purposes of deterrence, reassurance, and maintaining regional stability. forward-deployed naval presence for purposes of deterrence, reassurance, and maintaining regional stability.
5 U.S. Navy amphibious ships have designations starting with the letter L, as in amphibious 5 U.S. Navy amphibious ships have designations starting with the letter L, as in amphibious landing. LHA can be . LHA can be
translated as landing ship, helicopter-capable, assault; LHD can be translated as landing ship, helicopter-capable, well translated as landing ship, helicopter-capable, assault; LHD can be translated as landing ship, helicopter-capable, well
deck; LPD can be translated as landing ship, helicopter platform, well deck; and LSD can be translated as landing ship, deck; LPD can be translated as landing ship, helicopter platform, well deck; and LSD can be translated as landing ship,
well deck. Whether noted in the designation or not, almost all these ships have well decks. The exceptions are LHAs 6 well deck. Whether noted in the designation or not, almost all these ships have well decks. The exceptions are LHAs 6
and 7, which do not have well decks and instead have expanded aviation support capabilities. For an explanation of and 7, which do not have well decks and instead have expanded aviation support capabilities. For an explanation of
well decks, see footnowell decks, see footnote 3. The terms “large-deck” and “small-deck” refer to the size of the ship’s flight deck. The terms “large-deck” and “small-deck” refer to the size of the ship’s flight deck.
6 CRS Report R43543, 6 CRS Report R43543, Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for
Congress, by Ronald O'Rourke. , by Ronald O'Rourke.
7 The four-day (some sources say five-day) fire on LHD-6 began on July 12, 2020, while the ship was at pier in San 7 The four-day (some sources say five-day) fire on LHD-6 began on July 12, 2020, while the ship was at pier in San
Diego. At the time of the fire, the ship was 22 years old and had thus expended about 50% of its expected service life of Diego. At the time of the fire, the ship was 22 years old and had thus expended about 50% of its expected service life of
40 to 45 years. Following the fire, the Navy spent months assessing condition of the ship and examining options for 40 to 45 years. Following the fire, the Navy spent months assessing condition of the ship and examining options for
repairing it and returning it to service in some capacity. On November 30, 2020, the Navy announced that due to the repairing it and returning it to service in some capacity. On November 30, 2020, the Navy announced that due to the
estimated cost and time to repair the ship and return it to service, the Navy had decided to decommission the ship and estimated cost and time to repair the ship and return it to service, the Navy had decided to decommission the ship and
scrap it. The Navy stated that about 60% of the ship was ruined and would need to be rebuilt or replaced. Repairing the scrap it. The Navy stated that about 60% of the ship was ruined and would need to be rebuilt or replaced. Repairing the
ship and returning it to service as an LHD, the Navy estimated, would cost between $2.5 billion and $3.2 billion and ship and returning it to service as an LHD, the Navy estimated, would cost between $2.5 billion and $3.2 billion and
take about five to seven years to complete. (By then, portions of the ship would be 27 to 29 years old.) By comparison, take about five to seven years to complete. (By then, portions of the ship would be 27 to 29 years old.) By comparison,
the Navy said, a new replacement LHA-type ship would cost an estimated $4.1 billion to procure and take about six the Navy said, a new replacement LHA-type ship would cost an estimated $4.1 billion to procure and take about six
years to build. (The Navy’s estimated repair cost for LHD-6 equates to about 61% to 78% of the Navy’s estimated years to build. (The Navy’s estimated repair cost for LHD-6 equates to about 61% to 78% of the Navy’s estimated
procurement cost for a replacement LHA. A new-built LHA would have a full 40- to 45-year expected service life.) procurement cost for a replacement LHA. A new-built LHA would have a full 40- to 45-year expected service life.)
Repairing LHD-6 and reconfiguring it for use as either a hospital ship or a tender (i.e., a ship used to repair, maintain, Repairing LHD-6 and reconfiguring it for use as either a hospital ship or a tender (i.e., a ship used to repair, maintain,
or otherwise support other Navy ships), the Navy estimated, would cost more than $1 billion, and also take five to or otherwise support other Navy ships), the Navy estimated, would cost more than $1 billion, and also take five to
seven years to complete. The Navy stated that designing and building a new hospital ship or tender would cost less than seven years to complete. The Navy stated that designing and building a new hospital ship or tender would cost less than
repairing LHD-6 and converting it into a hospital ship or tender. The Navy estimated that decommissioning the ship, repairing LHD-6 and converting it into a hospital ship or tender. The Navy estimated that decommissioning the ship,
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
2 2

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

the Navy’s force of amphibious ships at the end of FY2020 included 32 ships, including 9 the Navy’s force of amphibious ships at the end of FY2020 included 32 ships, including 9
LHA/LHD-type amphibious assault ships. LHA/LHD-type amphibious assault ships.
Amphibious Ship Force-Level Goal
Current Force-Level Goal
The Navy’s current force-level goal, released in December 2016, calls for achieving and The Navy’s current force-level goal, released in December 2016, calls for achieving and
maintaining a 355-ship fleet that includes 38 amphibious ships—12 LHA/LHD-type ships, 13 maintaining a 355-ship fleet that includes 38 amphibious ships—12 LHA/LHD-type ships, 13
LPD-17 Flight I class ships, and 13 LPD-17 Flight II class ships (12+13+13).8 This 38-ship force-LPD-17 Flight I class ships, and 13 LPD-17 Flight II class ships (12+13+13).8 This 38-ship force-
level goal predates the initiation of the LAW program and consequently includes no LAWs. level goal predates the initiation of the LAW program and consequently includes no LAWs.
Potential New Force-Level Goal
Overview
The Navy and DOD since 2019 have been working to develop a new force-level goal to replace The Navy and DOD since 2019 have been working to develop a new force-level goal to replace
the Navy’s current 355-ship force-level goal. This new force-level goal is expected to introduce a the Navy’s current 355-ship force-level goal. This new force-level goal is expected to introduce a
once-in-a-generation change in fleet architecture, meaning basic the types of ships that make up once-in-a-generation change in fleet architecture, meaning basic the types of ships that make up
the Navy and how these ships are used in combination with one another to perform Navy the Navy and how these ships are used in combination with one another to perform Navy
missions. This new fleet architecture is expected to be more distributed than the fleet architecture missions. This new fleet architecture is expected to be more distributed than the fleet architecture
reflected in the 355-ship goal or previous Navy force-level goals. In particular, the new fleet reflected in the 355-ship goal or previous Navy force-level goals. In particular, the new fleet
architecture is expected to feature architecture is expected to feature
 a smaller proportion of larger ships (such as large-deck aircraft carriers, cruisers,  a smaller proportion of larger ships (such as large-deck aircraft carriers, cruisers,
destroyers, large amphibious ships, and large resupply ships); destroyers, large amphibious ships, and large resupply ships);
 a larger proportion of smaller ships (such as frigates, corvettes, smaller  a larger proportion of smaller ships (such as frigates, corvettes, smaller
amphibious ships, smaller resupply ships, and perhaps smaller aircraft carriers); amphibious ships, smaller resupply ships, and perhaps smaller aircraft carriers);
and and
 a new third tier of surface vessels about as large as corvettes or large patrol craft  a new third tier of surface vessels about as large as corvettes or large patrol craft
that will be either lightly manned, optionally manned, or unmanned, as well as that will be either lightly manned, optionally manned, or unmanned, as well as
large unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). large unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
Navy and DOD leaders believe that shifting to a more distributed fleet architecture is Navy and DOD leaders believe that shifting to a more distributed fleet architecture is
  operationally necessary, to respond effectively to the improving maritime anti-, to respond effectively to the improving maritime anti-
access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities of other countries, particularly China;9 access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities of other countries, particularly China;9

salvaging usable parts of it for use on other Navy ships (which began in September 2020), towing the ship to its salvaging usable parts of it for use on other Navy ships (which began in September 2020), towing the ship to its
scrapping site, and scrapping the ship would cost about $30 million. (See Megan Eckstein, “UPDATED: Navy Will scrapping site, and scrapping the ship would cost about $30 million. (See Megan Eckstein, “UPDATED: Navy Will
Scrap USS Bonhomme Richard,” USNI News, November 30, 2020; Geoff Ziezulewicz, “Navy Will Scrap Fire-Scrap USS Bonhomme Richard,” USNI News, November 30, 2020; Geoff Ziezulewicz, “Navy Will Scrap Fire-
Ravaged Bonhomme Richard,” Ravaged Bonhomme Richard,” Navy Times, November 20, 2020; Nancy A. Youssef, “Navy Will Decommission Ship , November 20, 2020; Nancy A. Youssef, “Navy Will Decommission Ship
Damaged in Five-Day Blaze,” Damaged in Five-Day Blaze,” Wall Street Journal, November 30, 2020; Andrew Dyer, “Ravaged by Fire, USS , November 30, 2020; Andrew Dyer, “Ravaged by Fire, USS
Bonhomme Richard Bound for Scrapyard, Navy Says,” Bonhomme Richard Bound for Scrapyard, Navy Says,” San Diego Union-Tribune, November 30, 2020.) , November 30, 2020.)
8 For more on the Navy’s 355-ship force-level goal, see CRS Report RL32665, 8 For more on the Navy’s 355-ship force-level goal, see CRS Report RL32665, Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding
Plans: Background and Issues for Congress, by Ronald O'Rourke. For a more detailed review of the 38-ship force , by Ronald O'Rourke. For a more detailed review of the 38-ship force
structure requirements, see Appendix A of archived CRS Report RL34476, structure requirements, see Appendix A of archived CRS Report RL34476, Navy LPD-17 Amphibious Ship
Procurement: Background, Issues, and Options for Congress, by Ronald O'Rourke. , by Ronald O'Rourke.
9 See, for example, David B. Larter, “With China Gunning for Aircraft Carriers, US Navy Says It Must Change How It 9 See, for example, David B. Larter, “With China Gunning for Aircraft Carriers, US Navy Says It Must Change How It
Fights,” Fights,” Defense News, December 6, 2019; Arthur H. Barber, “Redesign the Fleet,” , December 6, 2019; Arthur H. Barber, “Redesign the Fleet,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, ,
January 2019. Some observers have long urged the Navy to shift to a more distributed fleet architecture, on the grounds January 2019. Some observers have long urged the Navy to shift to a more distributed fleet architecture, on the grounds
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
3 3

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

  technically feasible as a result of advances in technologies for UVs and for as a result of advances in technologies for UVs and for
networking widely distributed maritime forces that include significant numbers networking widely distributed maritime forces that include significant numbers
of UVs; and of UVs; and
  affordable—no more expensive, and possibly less expensive, than the current —no more expensive, and possibly less expensive, than the current
fleet architecture, so as to fit within expected future Navy budgets.10 fleet architecture, so as to fit within expected future Navy budgets.10
Operational Rationale
To improve their ability to perform various missions in coming years, including a potential To improve their ability to perform various missions in coming years, including a potential
mission of countering Chinese forces in a possible conflict in the Western Pacific, the Navy and mission of countering Chinese forces in a possible conflict in the Western Pacific, the Navy and
Marine Corps want to implement a new operational concept called Distributed Maritime Marine Corps want to implement a new operational concept called Distributed Maritime
Operations (DMO).11 DMO calls for U.S. naval forces (meaning the Navy and Marine Corps)12 to Operations (DMO).11 DMO calls for U.S. naval forces (meaning the Navy and Marine Corps)12 to
operate at sea in a less concentrated, more distributed manner, so as to complicate an adversary’s operate at sea in a less concentrated, more distributed manner, so as to complicate an adversary’s
task of detecting, identifying, tracking, and targeting U.S. naval forces, while still being able to task of detecting, identifying, tracking, and targeting U.S. naval forces, while still being able to
bring lethal force to bear against adversary forces. To support the implementation of DMO, the bring lethal force to bear against adversary forces. To support the implementation of DMO, the
Navy wants to shift to the new and more distributed fleet architecture outlined above. Navy wants to shift to the new and more distributed fleet architecture outlined above.
In parallel with DMO, and with an eye toward potential conflict scenarios in the Western Pacific In parallel with DMO, and with an eye toward potential conflict scenarios in the Western Pacific
against Chinese forces, the Marine Corps has developed two supporting operational concepts, against Chinese forces, the Marine Corps has developed two supporting operational concepts,
called Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE) and Expeditionary Advanced called Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE) and Expeditionary Advanced
Base Operations (EABO). Under the EABO concept, the Marine Corps envisions, among other Base Operations (EABO). Under the EABO concept, the Marine Corps envisions, among other
things, having reinforced-platoon-sized Marine Corps units maneuver around the theater, moving things, having reinforced-platoon-sized Marine Corps units maneuver around the theater, moving
from island to island, to fire anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs) and perform other missions so as from island to island, to fire anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs) and perform other missions so as

that the Navy’s current architecture—which concentrates much of the fleet’s capability into a relatively limited number that the Navy’s current architecture—which concentrates much of the fleet’s capability into a relatively limited number
of individually larger and more expensive surface ships—is increasingly vulnerable to attack by the improving A2/AD of individually larger and more expensive surface ships—is increasingly vulnerable to attack by the improving A2/AD
capabilities (particularly anti-ship missiles and their supporting detection and targeting systems) of potential capabilities (particularly anti-ship missiles and their supporting detection and targeting systems) of potential
adversaries, particularly China. Shifting to a more distributed architecture, these observers have argued, would adversaries, particularly China. Shifting to a more distributed architecture, these observers have argued, would
• •
complicate an adversary’s targeting challenge by presenting the adversary with a larger number of Navy units complicate an adversary’s targeting challenge by presenting the adversary with a larger number of Navy units
to detect, identify, and track; to detect, identify, and track;
• •
reduce the loss in aggregate Navy capability that would result from the destruction of an individual Navy reduce the loss in aggregate Navy capability that would result from the destruction of an individual Navy
platform; platform;
• •
give U.S. leaders the option of deploying USVs and UUVs in wartime to sea locations that would be give U.S. leaders the option of deploying USVs and UUVs in wartime to sea locations that would be
tactically advantageous but too risky for manned ships; and tactically advantageous but too risky for manned ships; and
• •
increase the modularity and reconfigurability of the fleet for adapting to changing mission needs. increase the modularity and reconfigurability of the fleet for adapting to changing mission needs.
For more on China’s maritime A2/AD capabilities, see CRS Report RL33153, For more on China’s maritime A2/AD capabilities, see CRS Report RL33153, China Naval Modernization:
Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities—Background and Issues for Congress, by Ronald O'Rourke. , by Ronald O'Rourke.
10 For additional discussion, see CRS Report RL32665, 10 For additional discussion, see CRS Report RL32665, Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and
Issues for Congress, by Ronald O'Rourke. , by Ronald O'Rourke.
11 For additional discussion, see CRS Report RL32665, 11 For additional discussion, see CRS Report RL32665, Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans: Background and
Issues for Congress, by Ronald O'Rourke, and CRS Report RL33153, , by Ronald O'Rourke, and CRS Report RL33153, China Naval Modernization: Implications for
U.S. Navy Capabilities—Background and Issues for Congress, by Ronald O'Rourke. , by Ronald O'Rourke.
12 Although the term 12 Although the term naval is often used to refer specifically to the Navy, it more properly refers to both the Navy and is often used to refer specifically to the Navy, it more properly refers to both the Navy and
Marine Corps, because both the Navy and Marine Corps are naval services. Even though the Marine Corps sometimes Marine Corps, because both the Navy and Marine Corps are naval services. Even though the Marine Corps sometimes
operates for extended periods as a land fighting force (as it has done in recent years, for example, in Afghanistan and operates for extended periods as a land fighting force (as it has done in recent years, for example, in Afghanistan and
Iraq), and is often thought of as the country’s second land army, it nevertheless is, by law, a naval service. 10 U.S.C. Iraq), and is often thought of as the country’s second land army, it nevertheless is, by law, a naval service. 10 U.S.C.
§8001(a)(3) states, “The term ‘member of the naval service’ means a person appointed or enlisted in, or inducted or §8001(a)(3) states, “The term ‘member of the naval service’ means a person appointed or enlisted in, or inducted or
conscripted into, the Navy or the Marine Corps.” DON officials sometimes refer to the two services as the Navy-conscripted into, the Navy or the Marine Corps.” DON officials sometimes refer to the two services as the Navy-
Marine Corps team. For additional discussion, see CRS In Focus IF10484, Marine Corps team. For additional discussion, see CRS In Focus IF10484, Defense Primer: Department of the Navy, ,
by Ronald O'Rourke. by Ronald O'Rourke.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
4 4

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

to contribute, alongside Navy and other U.S. military forces, to U.S. operations to counter and to contribute, alongside Navy and other U.S. military forces, to U.S. operations to counter and
deny sea control to Chinese forces. deny sea control to Chinese forces.
More specifically, the Marine Corps states that the EABO concept includes, among other things, More specifically, the Marine Corps states that the EABO concept includes, among other things,
establishing and operating “multiple platoon-reinforced-size expeditionary advance base sites that establishing and operating “multiple platoon-reinforced-size expeditionary advance base sites that
can host and enable a variety of missions such as long-range anti-ship fires, forward arming and can host and enable a variety of missions such as long-range anti-ship fires, forward arming and
refueling of aircraft, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance of key maritime terrain, and refueling of aircraft, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance of key maritime terrain, and
air-defense and early warning,”13 The use of Marine Corps units to contribute to U.S. sea-denial air-defense and early warning,”13 The use of Marine Corps units to contribute to U.S. sea-denial
operations against an opposing navy by shooting ASCMs would represent a new mission for the operations against an opposing navy by shooting ASCMs would represent a new mission for the
Marine Corps.14 Marine Corps.14
Light Amphibious Warships (LAWs) would be instrumental to these operations, with LAWs Light Amphibious Warships (LAWs) would be instrumental to these operations, with LAWs
embarking, transporting, landing, and subsequently reembarking these small Marine Corps units. embarking, transporting, landing, and subsequently reembarking these small Marine Corps units.
An August 27, 2020, press report states, “Maj. Gen. Tracy King, the director of expeditionary An August 27, 2020, press report states, “Maj. Gen. Tracy King, the director of expeditionary
warfare on the chief of naval operations’ staff (OPNAV N95), said today that LAW was perhaps warfare on the chief of naval operations’ staff (OPNAV N95), said today that LAW was perhaps
the most important investment the Marine Corps was making to optimize itself for expeditionary the most important investment the Marine Corps was making to optimize itself for expeditionary
advance base operations (EABO).”15 The December 9, 2020, shipbuilding document submitted by advance base operations (EABO).”15 The December 9, 2020, shipbuilding document submitted by
the Trump Administration stated that the Marine Corps the Trump Administration stated that the Marine Corps
is reducing a number of legacy systems to reinvest in development of more NDS [National is reducing a number of legacy systems to reinvest in development of more NDS [National
Defense Strategy]-relevant capabilities such as Marine Littoral Regiments (MLRs), as Defense Strategy]-relevant capabilities such as Marine Littoral Regiments (MLRs), as
outlined in the Commandant’s Planning Guidance and Force Design. The FNFSoutlined in the Commandant’s Planning Guidance and Force Design. The FNFS [Future [Future
Naval Force Study] highlights the important contributions MLRs provide to Sea Denial Naval Force Study] highlights the important contributions MLRs provide to Sea Denial
and Sea Control missions. This approach requires a new mix of amphibious warships and Sea Control missions. This approach requires a new mix of amphibious warships
including the Light Amphibious Warship (LAW), which is critical to MLR mobility and including the Light Amphibious Warship (LAW), which is critical to MLR mobility and
sustainability. The overall number of amphibious warships grows to support the more sustainability. The overall number of amphibious warships grows to support the more
distributed expeditionary force design, with an increased number of LAW complementing distributed expeditionary force design, with an increased number of LAW complementing
fewer legacy amphibious warships.16 fewer legacy amphibious warships.16
A February 2021 Marine Corps tentative manual on EABO states A February 2021 Marine Corps tentative manual on EABO states
Littoral maneuver will rely heavily on surface platforms such as the light amphibious Littoral maneuver will rely heavily on surface platforms such as the light amphibious
warship (LAW) and a range of surface connectors, as well as aviation assets. The LAW is warship (LAW) and a range of surface connectors, as well as aviation assets. The LAW is
envisioned as the principal littoral maneuver vessel of the littoral force.… envisioned as the principal littoral maneuver vessel of the littoral force.…

13 Emailed statement from Marine Corps as quoted in Shawn Snow, “New Marine Littoral Regiment, Designed to Fight 13 Emailed statement from Marine Corps as quoted in Shawn Snow, “New Marine Littoral Regiment, Designed to Fight
in Contested Maritime Environment, Coming to Hawaii,” in Contested Maritime Environment, Coming to Hawaii,” Marine Times, May 14, 2020. See also David H. Berger, , May 14, 2020. See also David H. Berger,
“Preparing for the Future, Marine Corps Support to Joint Operations in Contested Littorals,” “Preparing for the Future, Marine Corps Support to Joint Operations in Contested Littorals,” Military Review, April , April
2021, 8 pp. 2021, 8 pp.
14 For press articles discussing these envisioned operations, see, for example, Justin Katz, “Marines’ New Warfighting 14 For press articles discussing these envisioned operations, see, for example, Justin Katz, “Marines’ New Warfighting
Concept Focuses on Small, Agile Forces with an Eye on China,” Concept Focuses on Small, Agile Forces with an Eye on China,” Breaking Defense, December 1, 2021; Bill Gertz, , December 1, 2021; Bill Gertz,
“Marine Commandant Reveals New Mission Preparing for China Conflict,” “Marine Commandant Reveals New Mission Preparing for China Conflict,” Washington Times, April 21, 2021; Megan , April 21, 2021; Megan
Eckstein, “CMC Berger Outlines How Marines Could Fight Submarines in the Future,” Eckstein, “CMC Berger Outlines How Marines Could Fight Submarines in the Future,” USNI News, December 8, , December 8,
2020; David Axe, “Meet Your New Island-Hopping, Missile-Slinging U.S. Marine Corps,” 2020; David Axe, “Meet Your New Island-Hopping, Missile-Slinging U.S. Marine Corps,” Forbes, May 14, 2020; , May 14, 2020;
Shawn Snow, “New Marine Littoral Regiment, Designed to Fight in Contested Maritime Environment, Coming to Shawn Snow, “New Marine Littoral Regiment, Designed to Fight in Contested Maritime Environment, Coming to
Hawaii,” Hawaii,” Marine Times, May 14, 2020; William Cole (Honolulu Star-Advertiser), “The Marine Corps Is Forming a , May 14, 2020; William Cole (Honolulu Star-Advertiser), “The Marine Corps Is Forming a
First-of-its-Kind Regiment in Hawaii,” First-of-its-Kind Regiment in Hawaii,” Military.com, May 12, 2020; Joseph Trevithick, “Marines To Radically , May 12, 2020; Joseph Trevithick, “Marines To Radically
Remodel Force, Cutting Tanks, Howitzers In Favor Of Drones, Missiles,” Remodel Force, Cutting Tanks, Howitzers In Favor Of Drones, Missiles,” The Drive, March 23, 2020; Chris “Ox” , March 23, 2020; Chris “Ox”
Harmer, “Marine Boss’s Audacious Plan To Transform The Corps By Giving Up Big Amphibious Ships,” Harmer, “Marine Boss’s Audacious Plan To Transform The Corps By Giving Up Big Amphibious Ships,” The Drive, ,
September 5, 2019. September 5, 2019.
15 Megan Eckstein, “Marines Already In Industry Studies for Light Amphibious Warship, In Bid to Field Them 15 Megan Eckstein, “Marines Already In Industry Studies for Light Amphibious Warship, In Bid to Field Them
ASAP,” ASAP,” USNI News, August 27 (updated August 28), 2020. See also Paul McLeary, “‘If It Floats, It Fights:’ Navy’s , August 27 (updated August 28), 2020. See also Paul McLeary, “‘If It Floats, It Fights:’ Navy’s
New Small Ship Strategy,” New Small Ship Strategy,” Breaking Defense, August 28, 2020. , August 28, 2020.
16 U.S. Navy, 16 U.S. Navy, Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels, December 9, , December 9,
2020, p. 11. 2020, p. 11.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
5 5

link to page 30 link to page 30 Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

The LAW supports the day-to-day maneuver of stand-in forces operating in the LOA The LAW supports the day-to-day maneuver of stand-in forces operating in the LOA
[littoral operations area]. It complements L-class amphibious ships17 and other surface [littoral operations area]. It complements L-class amphibious ships17 and other surface
connectors. Utilizing the LAW to transport forces of the surface reduces the impacts of connectors. Utilizing the LAW to transport forces of the surface reduces the impacts of
tactical vehicles on the road network, increases deception, and allows for the sustainment tactical vehicles on the road network, increases deception, and allows for the sustainment
of forces during embarkation. The range, endurance, and austere access of LAWs enable of forces during embarkation. The range, endurance, and austere access of LAWs enable
the littoral force to deliver personnel, equipment, and sustainment across a widely the littoral force to deliver personnel, equipment, and sustainment across a widely
distributed area. Shallow draft and beaching capability are keys to providing the volume distributed area. Shallow draft and beaching capability are keys to providing the volume
and agility to maneuver the required capabilities to key maritime terrain. and agility to maneuver the required capabilities to key maritime terrain.
LAW employment requires reconnaissance and prior planning relating to the bathymetry LAW employment requires reconnaissance and prior planning relating to the bathymetry
of the littoral environment. Effective LAW employment relies on knowledge of the beach of the littoral environment. Effective LAW employment relies on knowledge of the beach
makeup, slope, currents, tidal effects, and other environment factors. makeup, slope, currents, tidal effects, and other environment factors.
As envisioned and when properly postured, LAWs possess the range, endurance, speed, As envisioned and when properly postured, LAWs possess the range, endurance, speed,
sea-keeping, and C4ISR capabilities to support and conduct complementary operations sea-keeping, and C4ISR capabilities to support and conduct complementary operations
with, but not as part of, US Navy tactical groups, including an expeditionary strike group with, but not as part of, US Navy tactical groups, including an expeditionary strike group
(ESG) or amphibious ready group (ARG). Forward-positioned LAWs may augment the (ESG) or amphibious ready group (ARG). Forward-positioned LAWs may augment the
capabilities of deploying ARG/MEUs during regional engagement and response to crises capabilities of deploying ARG/MEUs during regional engagement and response to crises
or contingencies. or contingencies.
The LAW with embarked forces, generates and/or enables the following effects: The LAW with embarked forces, generates and/or enables the following effects:
 
Rapidly maneuver forces from shore-to-shore in a contested environment Rapidly maneuver forces from shore-to-shore in a contested environment
 
Sustain a combat-credible force ashore Sustain a combat-credible force ashore
 
Conduct enduring operations Conduct enduring operations
 
Enable persistent joint-force operations and power projection Enable persistent joint-force operations and power projection
 
Provide increased and capable forward presence18 Provide increased and capable forward presence18
The survivability of the LAW ships would come from their ability to hide among islands and The survivability of the LAW ships would come from their ability to hide among islands and
other sea traffic, from defensive support they would receive from other U.S. Navy forces, and other sea traffic, from defensive support they would receive from other U.S. Navy forces, and
from the ability of their associated Marine Corps units to fire missiles at Chinese ships and from the ability of their associated Marine Corps units to fire missiles at Chinese ships and
aircraft that could attack them with their own missiles (which can be viewed as an application of aircraft that could attack them with their own missiles (which can be viewed as an application of
the notion that the best defense is a good offense). the notion that the best defense is a good offense).
For additional background information on the proposed change in the amphibious-ship force For additional background information on the proposed change in the amphibious-ship force
architecture and the EABO-related operational rationale behind it, see thearchitecture and the EABO-related operational rationale behind it, see the Appendix.
December 9, 2020, Long-Range Navy Shipbuilding Document
On December 9, 2020, the Trump Administration released a long-range Navy shipbuilding On December 9, 2020, the Trump Administration released a long-range Navy shipbuilding
document that called for a Navy with a more distributed fleet architecture, including 382 to 446 document that called for a Navy with a more distributed fleet architecture, including 382 to 446
manned ships and 143 to 242 large unmanned surface and underwater vehicles (UVs). Within the manned ships and 143 to 242 large unmanned surface and underwater vehicles (UVs). Within the
total of 382 to 446 manned ships, the document called for an amphibious fleet of 61 to 67 total of 382 to 446 manned ships, the document called for an amphibious fleet of 61 to 67
amphibious ships, including 9 to 10 LHA/LHD-type ships and a combined total of 52 to 57 LPD-amphibious ships, including 9 to 10 LHA/LHD-type ships and a combined total of 52 to 57 LPD-
type ships and LAWs. The December 9, 2020, document did not break down the above figure of type ships and LAWs. The December 9, 2020, document did not break down the above figure of
52 to 57 amphibious ships into separate figures for LPD-type ships and LAWs. 52 to 57 amphibious ships into separate figures for LPD-type ships and LAWs.

17 The term 17 The term L-class amphibious ships refers to the Navy’s LHA/LHD- and LPD-type amphibious ships, whose refers to the Navy’s LHA/LHD- and LPD-type amphibious ships, whose
designation begins with the letter L in reference to amphibious designation begins with the letter L in reference to amphibious landing. .
18 Department of the Navy, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 18 Department of the Navy, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Tentative Manual for Expeditionary Advanced Base
Operations, February 2021, pp. 7-9 to 7-10. , February 2021, pp. 7-9 to 7-10.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
6 6

link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 11 Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

June 17, 2021, Long-Range Navy Shipbuilding Document
On the evening of June 17, 2021, following conclusion of the hearing discussed above, the Biden On the evening of June 17, 2021, following conclusion of the hearing discussed above, the Biden
Administration released a long-range Navy shipbuilding document that calls for a Navy with a Administration released a long-range Navy shipbuilding document that calls for a Navy with a
more distributed fleet architecture, including 321 to 372 manned ships and 77 to 140 large more distributed fleet architecture, including 321 to 372 manned ships and 77 to 140 large
unmanned surface and underwater UVs. Within the total of 321 to 372 manned ships, the unmanned surface and underwater UVs. Within the total of 321 to 372 manned ships, the
document calls for an amphibious fleet of 48 to 63 amphibious ships, including 8 to 9 LHA/LHD-document calls for an amphibious fleet of 48 to 63 amphibious ships, including 8 to 9 LHA/LHD-
type ships, 16 to 19 LPD-type ships, and 24 to 35 LAWs. type ships, 16 to 19 LPD-type ships, and 24 to 35 LAWs.
Current and Potential New Amphibious Ship Force-Level Goals
Table 1 compares the force-level goal for amphibious ships within the Navy’s 355-ship plan to compares the force-level goal for amphibious ships within the Navy’s 355-ship plan to
the emerging force-level goals for amphibious ships in the December 9, 2020, and June 17, 2021, the emerging force-level goals for amphibious ships in the December 9, 2020, and June 17, 2021,
long-range Navy shipbuilding documents, and to figures included in remarks made by the Chief long-range Navy shipbuilding documents, and to figures included in remarks made by the Chief
of Naval Operations at a conference on February 18, 2022. of Naval Operations at a conference on February 18, 2022.
Table 1. Current and Potential New Amphibious Ship Force-Level Goals
Emerging force-
Emerging force-
level goal in
level goal in
Trump
Biden
February, 18, 2022,
355-
Administration
Administration
remarks by Chief
ship
December 9,
June 17, 2021,
of Naval
Ship type
goal
2020, document
document
Operations
Large-deck (LHA/LHD) Large-deck (LHA/LHD)
12 12
9 to 10 9 to 10
8 to 9 8 to 9
9 9
LPD-type LPD-type
26 26
n/a n/a
16 to 19 16 to 19
19 or 20 19 or 20
Subtotal larger ships (LHA/LHD-
38
n/a
24 to 28
28 or 29
type and LPD-type)
Light Amphibious Warships (LAWs) Light Amphibious Warships (LAWs)
0 0
n/a n/a
24 to 35 24 to 35
30 (or more) 30 (or more)
LPD-type and LAWs combined LPD-type and LAWs combined
26 26
52 to 57 52 to 57
40 to 54 40 to 54
49 or 50 (or more) 49 or 50 (or more)
TOTAL all types
38
61 to 67
48 to 63
58 or 59 (or more)
Source: Table prepared by CRS based on U.S. Navy data and (for final column) Sam LaGrone and Mallory Table prepared by CRS based on U.S. Navy data and (for final column) Sam LaGrone and Mallory
Shelbourne, “CNO Gilday: ‘We Need a Naval Force of Over 500 Ships,’” Shelbourne, “CNO Gilday: ‘We Need a Naval Force of Over 500 Ships,’” USNI News, February 18, 2022; Justin , February 18, 2022; Justin
Katz, “CNO Lays Out Future Fleet He Wants: 500 ships, 12 Carriers, 150 Unmanned Vessels,” Katz, “CNO Lays Out Future Fleet He Wants: 500 ships, 12 Carriers, 150 Unmanned Vessels,” Breaking Defense, ,
February 18, 2022; Richard R. Burgess, “CNO Is ‘Sighted on a Bigger, More Capable Navy,’” February 18, 2022; Richard R. Burgess, “CNO Is ‘Sighted on a Bigger, More Capable Navy,’” Seapower, February , February
22, 2022. The 22, 2022. The Breaking Defense article of February 18, 2022, article reported the figure for LAW as 20 to 30. article of February 18, 2022, article reported the figure for LAW as 20 to 30.
Note: N/a means not available. N/a means not available.
Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program19
Overview
As shown i As shown in Table 1, the June 17, 2021, long-range Navy shipbuilding document envisions the June 17, 2021, long-range Navy shipbuilding document envisions
procuring a total of 24 to 35 LAWs. Other Navy documents refer to a requirement for 35 LAWs. procuring a total of 24 to 35 LAWs. Other Navy documents refer to a requirement for 35 LAWs.

19 Unless otherwise stated, information in this section about the LAW is taken from Navy briefing slides and Navy 19 Unless otherwise stated, information in this section about the LAW is taken from Navy briefing slides and Navy
answers to industry questions from LAW program industry days that were held on March 4 and April 9, 2020, and answers to industry questions from LAW program industry days that were held on March 4 and April 9, 2020, and
posted on March 20, May 5, and May 7, 2020, at “RFI: US Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW),” posted on March 20, May 5, and May 7, 2020, at “RFI: US Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW),”
https://beta.sam.gov/opp/90a9ece86ade48089e9f6d57d2969d23/view, accessed by CRS on May 15, 2020. https://beta.sam.gov/opp/90a9ece86ade48089e9f6d57d2969d23/view, accessed by CRS on May 15, 2020.
For press articles about the LAW, see Megan Eckstein, “Navy Researching New Class of Medium Amphibious Ship, For press articles about the LAW, see Megan Eckstein, “Navy Researching New Class of Medium Amphibious Ship,
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
7 7

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

The figure of 35 LAWs includes nine operational LAWs for each of three envisioned Marine The figure of 35 LAWs includes nine operational LAWs for each of three envisioned Marine
Littoral Regiments (MLRs), plus eight additional LAWs to account for factors such as a certain Littoral Regiments (MLRs), plus eight additional LAWs to account for factors such as a certain
number of LAWs being in maintenance at any given moment. LAWs would be much smaller and number of LAWs being in maintenance at any given moment. LAWs would be much smaller and
individually much less expensive to procure and operate than the Navy’s current amphibious individually much less expensive to procure and operate than the Navy’s current amphibious
ships. The Navy envisions the first LAW being procured in FY2023. The Navy’s proposed ships. The Navy envisions the first LAW being procured in FY2023. The Navy’s proposed
FY2022 budget FY2022 budget ~~requests~~requested $13.2 million in research and development funding for the program. $13.2 million in research and development funding for the program.
Ship Design
The Navy wants LAWs to be a relatively simple and relatively inexpensive ships with the The Navy wants LAWs to be a relatively simple and relatively inexpensive ships with the
following features, among others: following features, among others:
 a length of 200 feet to 400 feet;20  a length of 200 feet to 400 feet;20
 a maximum draft of 12 feet;  a maximum draft of 12 feet;
 a displacement of up to 4,000 tons;21  a displacement of up to 4,000 tons;21
 a ship’s crew of no more than 40 Navy sailors;22  a ship’s crew of no more than 40 Navy sailors;22
 an ability to embark at least 75 Marines;  an ability to embark at least 75 Marines;
 4,000 to 8,000 square feet of cargo area for the Marines’ weapons, equipment,  4,000 to 8,000 square feet of cargo area for the Marines’ weapons, equipment,
and supplies;23 and supplies;23
 a stern or bow landing ramp for moving the Marines and their weapons,  a stern or bow landing ramp for moving the Marines and their weapons,
equipment, and supplies the ship to shore (and vice versa) across a beach; equipment, and supplies the ship to shore (and vice versa) across a beach;
 a modest suite of C4I equipment;24  a modest suite of C4I equipment;24
 a 25mm or 30mm gun system and .50 caliber machine guns for self-defense;  a 25mm or 30mm gun system and .50 caliber machine guns for self-defense;
 a transit speed of at least 14 knots, and preferably 15 knots;25  a transit speed of at least 14 knots, and preferably 15 knots;25

New Logistics Ships,” New Logistics Ships,” USNI News, February 20, 2020. See also Rich Abott, “FY 2021 Request Starts Work on Future , February 20, 2020. See also Rich Abott, “FY 2021 Request Starts Work on Future
Amphibs and Logistics Ships,” Amphibs and Logistics Ships,” Defense Daily, February 20, 2020; David Axe, “This Weird Little Ship Could Be the , February 20, 2020; David Axe, “This Weird Little Ship Could Be the
Future of Amphibious Warfare,” Future of Amphibious Warfare,” National Interest, February 24, 2020; Mallory Shellbourne, “Navy begins pursuit of , February 24, 2020; Mallory Shellbourne, “Navy begins pursuit of
Light Amphibious Warship,” Light Amphibious Warship,” Inside Defense, March 26, 2020; Joseph Trevithick, “Navy Wants To Buy 30 New Light , March 26, 2020; Joseph Trevithick, “Navy Wants To Buy 30 New Light
Amphibious Warships To Support Radical Shift In Marine Ops,” Amphibious Warships To Support Radical Shift In Marine Ops,” The Drive, May 5, 2020; Megan Eckstein, “Navy , May 5, 2020; Megan Eckstein, “Navy
Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” USNI News, November 19, 2020. , November 19, 2020.
20 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” 20 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” USNI News, ,
November 19, 2020. November 19, 2020.
21 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” 21 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” USNI News, ,
November 19, 2020. November 19, 2020.
22 A draft circular of requirements (CoR) attached to a request for information (RFI) on the Law program that Navy 22 A draft circular of requirements (CoR) attached to a request for information (RFI) on the Law program that Navy
released on October 16, 2020, states that “The ship shall be capable of at least 11 day missions without replenishment released on October 16, 2020, states that “The ship shall be capable of at least 11 day missions without replenishment
for 40 crew and 50 embarked personnel.” (“Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Circular of Requirements (CoR), Draft for 40 crew and 50 embarked personnel.” (“Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Circular of Requirements (CoR), Draft
for Preliminary Design RFI, Ver 0.12, 10-13-20, PDF page 6 of 19, attachment to “RFI: DRAFT US Navy Light for Preliminary Design RFI, Ver 0.12, 10-13-20, PDF page 6 of 19, attachment to “RFI: DRAFT US Navy Light
Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design/Contract Design Statement of Work,” Beta.sam.gov, accessed November 23, Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design/Contract Design Statement of Work,” Beta.sam.gov, accessed November 23,
2020, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/c1c8a3900504442fa5ad3bac48cec001/view?index=opp.) 2020, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/c1c8a3900504442fa5ad3bac48cec001/view?index=opp.)
23 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” 23 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” USNI News, ,
November 19, 2020. A draft circular of requirements (CoR) attached to a request for information (RFI) on the Law November 19, 2020. A draft circular of requirements (CoR) attached to a request for information (RFI) on the Law
program that Navy released on October 16, 2020, states that the “ship shall have a cargo deck capable of carrying 648 program that Navy released on October 16, 2020, states that the “ship shall have a cargo deck capable of carrying 648
ST [short tons] and a minimum deck area of 8000” square feet. (“Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Circular of ST [short tons] and a minimum deck area of 8000” square feet. (“Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Circular of
Requirements (CoR), Draft for Preliminary Design RFI, Ver 0.12, 10-13-20, PDF page 5 of 19, attachment to “RFI: Requirements (CoR), Draft for Preliminary Design RFI, Ver 0.12, 10-13-20, PDF page 5 of 19, attachment to “RFI:
DRAFT US Navy Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design/Contract Design Statement of Work,” Beta.sam.gov, DRAFT US Navy Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design/Contract Design Statement of Work,” Beta.sam.gov,
accessed November 23, 2020, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/c1c8a3900504442fa5ad3bac48cec001/view?index=opp.) accessed November 23, 2020, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/c1c8a3900504442fa5ad3bac48cec001/view?index=opp.)
24 C4I is command and control, communications, computers, and intelligence. 24 C4I is command and control, communications, computers, and intelligence.
25 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” 25 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” USNI News, ,
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
8 8

link to page 5 link to page 5 Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

 a minimum unrefueled transit range of 3,500 nautical miles;26  a minimum unrefueled transit range of 3,500 nautical miles;26
 a “Tier 2+” plus level of survivability (i.e., ruggedness for withstanding battle  a “Tier 2+” plus level of survivability (i.e., ruggedness for withstanding battle
damage)—a level, broadly comparable to that of a smaller U.S. Navy surface damage)—a level, broadly comparable to that of a smaller U.S. Navy surface
combatant (i.e., a corvette or frigate), that would permit the ship to absorb a hit combatant (i.e., a corvette or frigate), that would permit the ship to absorb a hit
from an enemy weapon and keep the crew safe until they and their equipment from an enemy weapon and keep the crew safe until they and their equipment
and supplies can be transferred to another LAW;27 and supplies can be transferred to another LAW;27
 an ability to operate within fleet groups or deploy independently; and  an ability to operate within fleet groups or deploy independently; and
 a 20-year expected service life.28  a 20-year expected service life.28
In addition to the above points, the Navy states that the LAW’s design can be based on a In addition to the above points, the Navy states that the LAW’s design can be based on a
commercial-ship design. commercial-ship design.
A ship fitting the requirements listed above would be only a fraction as large as the Navy’s A ship fitting the requirements listed above would be only a fraction as large as the Navy’s
current amphibious ships. The Navy’s LHA/LHD-type ships are 844 to 855 feet long and have a current amphibious ships. The Navy’s LHA/LHD-type ships are 844 to 855 feet long and have a
full load displacements between 40,000 and 45,000 tons, while its and LPD-17 class ships are 684 full load displacements between 40,000 and 45,000 tons, while its and LPD-17 class ships are 684
feet long and have a full load displacement of 24,900 tons. As noted in the third bullet point feet long and have a full load displacement of 24,900 tons. As noted in the third bullet point
above, the LAW is to have a displacement of up to 4,000 tons—about 1/10th or 1/11th the above, the LAW is to have a displacement of up to 4,000 tons—about 1/10th or 1/11th the
displacement of an LHA/LHD-type ship, and about 1/6th the displacement of an LPD-17 class displacement of an LHA/LHD-type ship, and about 1/6th the displacement of an LPD-17 class
ships. ships.
The LAW’s maximum draft of 12 feet is intended to permit the ship to transit shallow waters on The LAW’s maximum draft of 12 feet is intended to permit the ship to transit shallow waters on
its way to and from landing beaches. The Navy prefers that the ship’s cargo space be in the form its way to and from landing beaches. The Navy prefers that the ship’s cargo space be in the form
of open deck storage. Unlike most of the Navy’s current amphibious ships, the LAW would not of open deck storage. Unlike most of the Navy’s current amphibious ships, the LAW would not
have a well deck.29 A transit speed of about 15 knots would be less than the approximate 22-knot have a well deck.29 A transit speed of about 15 knots would be less than the approximate 22-knot
maximum sustained speed of larger U.S. Navy amphibious ships, but it is a relatively fuel-maximum sustained speed of larger U.S. Navy amphibious ships, but it is a relatively fuel-
efficient speed for moving ships through water,30 which would permit the ship to be equipped efficient speed for moving ships through water,30 which would permit the ship to be equipped
with a less powerful and consequently less expensive propulsion plant. The 20-year expected with a less powerful and consequently less expensive propulsion plant. The 20-year expected
service life is less than the 30- to 45-year expected service lives of larger U.S. Navy amphibious service life is less than the 30- to 45-year expected service lives of larger U.S. Navy amphibious

November 19, 2020. A draft circular of requirements (CoR) attached to a request for information (RFI) on the Law November 19, 2020. A draft circular of requirements (CoR) attached to a request for information (RFI) on the Law
program that Navy released on October 16, 2020, states that the “ship shall be capable of a minimum transit speed of program that Navy released on October 16, 2020, states that the “ship shall be capable of a minimum transit speed of
14 knots in Sea State three (SS3) at the ship’s full load condition….” (“Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Circular of 14 knots in Sea State three (SS3) at the ship’s full load condition….” (“Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Circular of
Requirements (CoR), Draft for Preliminary Design RFI, Ver 0.12, 10-13-20, PDF page 6 of 19, attachment to “RFI: Requirements (CoR), Draft for Preliminary Design RFI, Ver 0.12, 10-13-20, PDF page 6 of 19, attachment to “RFI:
DRAFT US Navy Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design/Contract Design Statement of Work,” Beta.sam.gov, DRAFT US Navy Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design/Contract Design Statement of Work,” Beta.sam.gov,
accessed November 23, 2020, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/c1c8a3900504442fa5ad3bac48cec001/view?index=opp.) accessed November 23, 2020, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/c1c8a3900504442fa5ad3bac48cec001/view?index=opp.)
26 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” 26 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” USNI News, ,
November 19, 2020. A draft circular of requirements (CoR) attached to a request for information (RFI) on the Law November 19, 2020. A draft circular of requirements (CoR) attached to a request for information (RFI) on the Law
program that Navy released on October 16, 2020, states that The ship shall be capable of 3500 nautical miles endurance program that Navy released on October 16, 2020, states that The ship shall be capable of 3500 nautical miles endurance
at 14 knots without refueling at the ship’s full load condition….” (“Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Circular of at 14 knots without refueling at the ship’s full load condition….” (“Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Circular of
Requirements (CoR), Draft for Preliminary Design RFI, Ver 0.12, 10-13-20, PDF page 6 of 19, attachment to “RFI: Requirements (CoR), Draft for Preliminary Design RFI, Ver 0.12, 10-13-20, PDF page 6 of 19, attachment to “RFI:
DRAFT US Navy Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design/Contract Design Statement of Work,” Beta.sam.gov, DRAFT US Navy Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design/Contract Design Statement of Work,” Beta.sam.gov,
accessed November 23, 2020, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/c1c8a3900504442fa5ad3bac48cec001/view?index=opp.) accessed November 23, 2020, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/c1c8a3900504442fa5ad3bac48cec001/view?index=opp.)
27 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” 27 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” USNI News, ,
November 19, 2020. November 19, 2020.
28 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” 28 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” USNI News, ,
November 19, 2020. See also Mallory Shelbourne and Sam LaGrone, “Navy, Marines Want the Light Amphibious November 19, 2020. See also Mallory Shelbourne and Sam LaGrone, “Navy, Marines Want the Light Amphibious
Warship to Haul 75 Marines for $150M or Less,” Warship to Haul 75 Marines for $150M or Less,” USNI News, February 10, 2022. , February 10, 2022.
29 As noted in footno 29 As noted in footnote 3, a well deck is a large, covered, garage-like space in the stern of the ship. It can be flooded a well deck is a large, covered, garage-like space in the stern of the ship. It can be flooded
with water so that landing craft can leave or return to the ship. Access to the well deck is protected by a large stern gate with water so that landing craft can leave or return to the ship. Access to the well deck is protected by a large stern gate
that is somewhat like a garage door. that is somewhat like a garage door.
30 Due to the density of water, fuel consumption for moving monohull ships through the water tends to increase steeply 30 Due to the density of water, fuel consumption for moving monohull ships through the water tends to increase steeply
for speeds above 14 to 16 knots. for speeds above 14 to 16 knots.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
9 9

link to page 14 link to page 15 link to page 16 link to page 14 link to page 15 link to page 16

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

ships—a difference that could reduce the LAW’s construction cost for a ship of its type and ships—a difference that could reduce the LAW’s construction cost for a ship of its type and
size—and closer to the 25-year expected service life of the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships size—and closer to the 25-year expected service life of the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships
(LCSs).31 (LCSs).31
Figure 1, Figure 2, and and Figure 3 show one firm’s LAW design. The design reportedly has a show one firm’s LAW design. The design reportedly has a
length of 120 meters (about 394 feet), a displacement of 4,500 tons, and 10,500 square feet of length of 120 meters (about 394 feet), a displacement of 4,500 tons, and 10,500 square feet of
deck space for rolling stock or other cargoes.32 The Navy’s eventual preferred design for the LAW deck space for rolling stock or other cargoes.32 The Navy’s eventual preferred design for the LAW
might or might not look like this design. might or might not look like this design.
Figure 1. One Firm’s Design for LAW
Artist’s rendering Artist’s rendering

Source: Cropped version of il ustration of Austal USA’s design for LAW accompanying Martin Manaranche, Cropped version of il ustration of Austal USA’s design for LAW accompanying Martin Manaranche,
“Sea Air Space 2021: Austal USA Unveils Its LAW Design,” “Sea Air Space 2021: Austal USA Unveils Its LAW Design,” Naval News, August 3, 2021. A caption credits the , August 3, 2021. A caption credits the
il ustration to Austal. il ustration to Austal.
Procurement Schedule
Navy plans call for the first LAW to be procured in FY2023. The December 9, 2020, long-range Navy plans call for the first LAW to be procured in FY2023. The December 9, 2020, long-range
Navy shipbuilding document submitted by the Trump Administration showed the first LAW as Navy shipbuilding document submitted by the Trump Administration showed the first LAW as
scheduled for procurement in FY2022 rather than FY2023, and the first 10 LAWs as being scheduled for procurement in FY2022 rather than FY2023, and the first 10 LAWs as being

31 For more on the LCS program, see CRS Report RL33741, 31 For more on the LCS program, see CRS Report RL33741, Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background
and Issues for Congress, by Ronald O'Rourke. , by Ronald O'Rourke.
32 Martin Manaranche, “Sea Air Space 2021: Austal USA Unveils Its LAW Design,” 32 Martin Manaranche, “Sea Air Space 2021: Austal USA Unveils Its LAW Design,” Naval News, August 3, 2021. See , August 3, 2021. See
also Thomas Newdick, “Austal’s Light Amphibious Warship Design Is A Throwback To WWII’s Tank Landing also Thomas Newdick, “Austal’s Light Amphibious Warship Design Is A Throwback To WWII’s Tank Landing
Ships,” Ships,” The Drive, August 6, 2021. , August 6, 2021.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
10 10

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

scheduled for procurement in FY2022-FY2026 in annual quantities of 1-1-2-3-3. A June 21, scheduled for procurement in FY2022-FY2026 in annual quantities of 1-1-2-3-3. A June 21,
2021, press report stated 2021, press report stated
In its recent fiscal 2022 budget request, the Navy did not ask for money to begin In its recent fiscal 2022 budget request, the Navy did not ask for money to begin
procurement in FY22, though. Navy spokesman Capt. Clay Doss told Defense News the procurement in FY22, though. Navy spokesman Capt. Clay Doss told Defense News the
program would begin acquisition in FY23 if Congress funds the Navy’s request for just program would begin acquisition in FY23 if Congress funds the Navy’s request for just
research and development funds in FY22 to prepare for acquisition in FY23. He said the research and development funds in FY22 to prepare for acquisition in FY23. He said the
decision to slow the program down was a fiscal one, not a sign of engineering or other decision to slow the program down was a fiscal one, not a sign of engineering or other
challenges.33 challenges.33
Figure 2. One Firm’s Design for LAW
Photograph of model displayed at trade show Photograph of model displayed at trade show

Source: Cropped version of photograph of model of Austal USA’s design for LAW accompanying Martin Cropped version of photograph of model of Austal USA’s design for LAW accompanying Martin
Manaranche, “Sea Air Space 2021: Austal USA Unveils Its LAW Design,” Manaranche, “Sea Air Space 2021: Austal USA Unveils Its LAW Design,” Naval News, August 3, 2021. The model , August 3, 2021. The model
was displayed at the Sea Air Space 2021 exposition. was displayed at the Sea Air Space 2021 exposition.
Procurement Cost
The Navy estimated in July 2021 that the first LAW would cost about $156 million to procure, The Navy estimated in July 2021 that the first LAW would cost about $156 million to procure,
and that subsequent LAWs would cost about $130 million each to procure.34 In February 2022, a and that subsequent LAWs would cost about $130 million each to procure.34 In February 2022, a
Navy official, providing a somewhat different figure, reportedly stated that the Navy wants each Navy official, providing a somewhat different figure, reportedly stated that the Navy wants each
LAW to cost $150 million or less.35 LAW to cost $150 million or less.35
By way of comparison, the Navy’s most recently procured LHA-type amphibious ship, which By way of comparison, the Navy’s most recently procured LHA-type amphibious ship, which
was procured in FY2017, has an estimated unit procurement cost in the Navy’s FY2022 budget was procured in FY2017, has an estimated unit procurement cost in the Navy’s FY2022 budget
submission of about $3.8 billion, and LPD-17 Flight II amphibious ships being procured by the submission of about $3.8 billion, and LPD-17 Flight II amphibious ships being procured by the
Navy have unit procurement costs of about $2.0 billion. Navy have unit procurement costs of about $2.0 billion.

33 Megan Eckstein, “Marines Explain Vision for Fewer Traditional Amphibious Warships,” 33 Megan Eckstein, “Marines Explain Vision for Fewer Traditional Amphibious Warships,” Defense News, June 21, , June 21,
2021. See also Megan Eckstein, “US Navy’s Light Amphibious Warship No Longer on Track for 2022 Contract 2021. See also Megan Eckstein, “US Navy’s Light Amphibious Warship No Longer on Track for 2022 Contract
Award,” Award,” Defense News, June 10, 2021. , June 10, 2021.
34 Source: Navy briefing on LAW program for CRS and CBO, July 19, 2021. 34 Source: Navy briefing on LAW program for CRS and CBO, July 19, 2021.
35 Mallory Shelbourne and Sam LaGrone, “Navy, Marines Want the Light Amphibious Warship to Haul 75 Marines for 35 Mallory Shelbourne and Sam LaGrone, “Navy, Marines Want the Light Amphibious Warship to Haul 75 Marines for
$150M or Less,” $150M or Less,” USNI News, February 10, 2022. , February 10, 2022.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
11 11

link to page 11 link to page 11

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

Figure 3. One Firm’s Design for LAW
Photograph of model displayed at trade show Photograph of model displayed at trade show

Source: Cropped version of photograph of model of Austal USA’s design for LAW accompanying Martin Cropped version of photograph of model of Austal USA’s design for LAW accompanying Martin
Manaranche, “Sea Air Space 2021: Austal USA Unveils Its LAW Design,” Manaranche, “Sea Air Space 2021: Austal USA Unveils Its LAW Design,” Naval News, August 3, 2021. The model , August 3, 2021. The model
was displayed at the Sea Air Space 2021 exposition. was displayed at the Sea Air Space 2021 exposition.
As additional comparisons, the Navy’s Ship-to-Shore Connectors (SSCs)—its new air-cushioned As additional comparisons, the Navy’s Ship-to-Shore Connectors (SSCs)—its new air-cushioned
landing craft—are about 92 feet long and have a unit procurement cost of roughly $65 million, landing craft—are about 92 feet long and have a unit procurement cost of roughly $65 million,
the Coast Guard’s new Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) are 154 feet long and have a unit the Coast Guard’s new Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) are 154 feet long and have a unit
procurement cost of about $65 million, and the Navy’s new TATS towing, salvage, and rescue procurement cost of about $65 million, and the Navy’s new TATS towing, salvage, and rescue
ships are 263 feet long and have a unit procurement cost of about $80 million. ships are 263 feet long and have a unit procurement cost of about $80 million.
Potential Builders
The LAW as outlined by the Navy is small enough that it could be built by any of several U.S. The LAW as outlined by the Navy is small enough that it could be built by any of several U.S.
shipyards. shipyards.
Acquisition Strategy
Overview
The Navy’s baseline preference is to have a single shipyard build all 24 to 35 ships, but the Navy The Navy’s baseline preference is to have a single shipyard build all 24 to 35 ships, but the Navy
is open to having them built in multiple yards to the same design if doing so could permit the is open to having them built in multiple yards to the same design if doing so could permit the
program to be implemented more quickly and/or less expensively.36 program to be implemented more quickly and/or less expensively.36

36 The Q&A document from the Navy’s April 9, 2020, industry day on the LAW program (see footnote36 The Q&A document from the Navy’s April 9, 2020, industry day on the LAW program (see footnote 19) states states
Q [from industry]: Once [the industry] studies are done, what is the likelihood of [the Navy Q [from industry]: Once [the industry] studies are done, what is the likelihood of [the Navy
making] multiple [contract] awards [for the next stage]? making] multiple [contract] awards [for the next stage]?
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
12 12

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

The Navy plans to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the detail design and construction The Navy plans to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the detail design and construction
(DD&C) contract for the LAW program in the second quarter of FY2022, and to award the (DD&C) contract for the LAW program in the second quarter of FY2022, and to award the
contract in the first quester of FY2023. contract in the first quester of FY2023.
Reported July 2020 Contract Awards
An October 6, 2020, press report stated that the Navy in July 2020 awarded contracts for LAW An October 6, 2020, press report stated that the Navy in July 2020 awarded contracts for LAW
concept design studies to 15 firms, with the studies due in November 2020. According to the concept design studies to 15 firms, with the studies due in November 2020. According to the
press report, the 15 companies awarded contracts included Austal USE, BMT Designers, press report, the 15 companies awarded contracts included Austal USE, BMT Designers,
Bollinger Shipyards, Crescere Marine Engineering, Damen, Hyak Marine, Independent Maritime Bollinger Shipyards, Crescere Marine Engineering, Damen, Hyak Marine, Independent Maritime
Assessment Associates, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Sea Transport, Serco, St John Assessment Associates, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Sea Transport, Serco, St John
Shipbuilding, Swiftships, Technology Associates, Thoma-Sea, and VT Halter Marine. The studies Shipbuilding, Swiftships, Technology Associates, Thoma-Sea, and VT Halter Marine. The studies
reportedly were intended to help inform concepts of operation, technical risk, and cost estimates reportedly were intended to help inform concepts of operation, technical risk, and cost estimates
for the LAW program, in support of a planned lead-ship contract award in FY2022. An August for the LAW program, in support of a planned lead-ship contract award in FY2022. An August
27, 2020, press report states 27, 2020, press report states
The Navy and Marine Corps’ new Light Amphibious Warship program is already in The Navy and Marine Corps’ new Light Amphibious Warship program is already in
industry studies, with the service pushing ahead as quickly as possible in an industry studies, with the service pushing ahead as quickly as possible in an
acknowledgement that they’re already behind in their transformation of the force. acknowledgement that they’re already behind in their transformation of the force.
Maj. Gen. Tracy King, the director of expeditionary warfare on the chief of naval Maj. Gen. Tracy King, the director of expeditionary warfare on the chief of naval
operations’ staff (OPNAV N95), said today that LAW was perhaps the most important operations’ staff (OPNAV N95), said today that LAW was perhaps the most important
investment the Marine Corps was making to optimize itself for expeditionary advance base investment the Marine Corps was making to optimize itself for expeditionary advance base
operations (EABO). operations (EABO).
“Having these LAWs out there as an extension of the fleet, under the watchful eye of our “Having these LAWs out there as an extension of the fleet, under the watchful eye of our
Navy, engaging with our partners and allies, building partner capacity, is what I think we Navy, engaging with our partners and allies, building partner capacity, is what I think we
need to be doing right now. I think we’re late to need with building the Light Amphibious need to be doing right now. I think we’re late to need with building the Light Amphibious
Warship, which is why we’re trying to go so quickly,” he said, saying that N95 was copying Warship, which is why we’re trying to go so quickly,” he said, saying that N95 was copying
the surface warfare directorate’s playbook from the frigate program, which moved quickly the surface warfare directorate’s playbook from the frigate program, which moved quickly
from requirements-development to design to getting under contract thanks to the use of from requirements-development to design to getting under contract thanks to the use of
mature technology and designs from industry.37 mature technology and designs from industry.37

A [from Navy]: When the [industry] studies are done, there will be multiple [contract] awards for A [from Navy]: When the [industry] studies are done, there will be multiple [contract] awards for
preliminary design [work]. Then [the Navy will] down select for a [preferred] prototype. [There is] preliminary design [work]. Then [the Navy will] down select for a [preferred] prototype. [There is]
No plan for [building the ships at] multiple [ship]yards and [building them to multiple] designs like No plan for [building the ships at] multiple [ship]yards and [building them to multiple] designs like
[the] LCS [Littoral Combat Ship program]. It’s too hard of a logistics tail [to provide lifecycle [the] LCS [Littoral Combat Ship program]. It’s too hard of a logistics tail [to provide lifecycle
support for ships built to multiple designs]. But options are open if it is cheaper/faster. support for ships built to multiple designs]. But options are open if it is cheaper/faster.
Q [from industry]: Do you envision something similar to LCS variance [sic: variants]? Multiple Q [from industry]: Do you envision something similar to LCS variance [sic: variants]? Multiple
yards and designs? yards and designs?
A [from Navy]: No, it involves too much logistics and O&S [operation and support costs]. This A [from Navy]: No, it involves too much logistics and O&S [operation and support costs]. This
drives overall costs initially [i.e., locks higher life-cycle support costs into the program from the drives overall costs initially [i.e., locks higher life-cycle support costs into the program from the
outset of the program] and we’re not trying to go down that path. As we’ve said before, if studies outset of the program] and we’re not trying to go down that path. As we’ve said before, if studies
tell us we are wrong, if it’s affordable and fields faster, then we won’t ignore it. The data and cost tell us we are wrong, if it’s affordable and fields faster, then we won’t ignore it. The data and cost
drivers will help us decide. The Government wants to field [the ships] as rapidly as possible, and drivers will help us decide. The Government wants to field [the ships] as rapidly as possible, and
we believe that using multiple yards is not the best and most affordable path. we believe that using multiple yards is not the best and most affordable path.
37 Megan Eckstein, “Marines Already In Industry Studies for Light Amphibious Warship, In Bid to Field Them 37 Megan Eckstein, “Marines Already In Industry Studies for Light Amphibious Warship, In Bid to Field Them
ASAP,” ASAP,” USNI News, August 27 (updated August 28), 2020. See also Rich Abott, “Marine Corps In Industry Studies , August 27 (updated August 28), 2020. See also Rich Abott, “Marine Corps In Industry Studies
For Light Amphibious Warship, Trying To Move Quickly,” For Light Amphibious Warship, Trying To Move Quickly,” Defense Daily, August 28, 2020. , August 28, 2020.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
13 13

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

October 2020 Request for Information (RFI)
On October 16, 2020, the Navy released a request for information (RFI) to solicit industry input On October 16, 2020, the Navy released a request for information (RFI) to solicit industry input
on draft versions of documents relating to an eventual solicitation for conducting design work on on draft versions of documents relating to an eventual solicitation for conducting design work on
the ship.38 the ship.38
November 2020 Press Report About Concept Designs
A November 9, 2020, press report stated that, as part of its LAW industry studies, the Navy had A November 9, 2020, press report stated that, as part of its LAW industry studies, the Navy had
received nine LAW concept designs from 16 design firms and shipyards, some of which have received nine LAW concept designs from 16 design firms and shipyards, some of which have
paired into teams. The report quoted a Navy official as stating that the following firms were paired into teams. The report quoted a Navy official as stating that the following firms were
participating in the industry studies: Austal USA, BMT Designers, Bollinger Shipyards, Crescere participating in the industry studies: Austal USA, BMT Designers, Bollinger Shipyards, Crescere
Marine Engineering, Damen, Hyak Marine, Independent Maritime Assessment Associates, Marine Engineering, Damen, Hyak Marine, Independent Maritime Assessment Associates,
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Sea Transport, Serco, St. John Shipbuilding, Swiftships, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Sea Transport, Serco, St. John Shipbuilding, Swiftships,
Technology Associates Inc., Thoma-Sea, VT Halter Marine and Fincantieri.39 A November 19, Technology Associates Inc., Thoma-Sea, VT Halter Marine and Fincantieri.39 A November 19,
2020, press report stated that “about six industry teams are working with the sea services [i.e., the 2020, press report stated that “about six industry teams are working with the sea services [i.e., the
Navy and Marine Corps] after two industry days and industry studies over the summer.40 Navy and Marine Corps] after two industry days and industry studies over the summer.40
A January 11, 2021, press report stated A January 11, 2021, press report stated
The Navy and Marine Corps are quickly seeking new ideas that allow Marines to support The Navy and Marine Corps are quickly seeking new ideas that allow Marines to support
the Navy in sea control and other maritime missions, including the rapid acquisition of a the Navy in sea control and other maritime missions, including the rapid acquisition of a
light amphibious ship and a movement toward using Marine weapons while at sea. light amphibious ship and a movement toward using Marine weapons while at sea.
Maj. Gen. Tracy King, the director of expeditionary warfare on the chief of naval Maj. Gen. Tracy King, the director of expeditionary warfare on the chief of naval
operations’ staff (OPNAV N95), told USNI News during a Jan. 8 media call that the operations’ staff (OPNAV N95), told USNI News during a Jan. 8 media call that the
services are moving quickly to buy their first light amphibious warship (LAW) in Fiscal services are moving quickly to buy their first light amphibious warship (LAW) in Fiscal
Year 2022, as outlined in the recent long-range shipbuilding plan. Year 2022, as outlined in the recent long-range shipbuilding plan.
“We’re moving out at flank speed; I got a chance to brief the CNO and the commandant “We’re moving out at flank speed; I got a chance to brief the CNO and the commandant
recently, and they told me to maintain course and heading,” he said during the media call recently, and they told me to maintain course and heading,” he said during the media call
ahead of the annual Surface Navy Association symposium. ahead of the annual Surface Navy Association symposium.
“We’re going through the formal JCIDS (Joint Capabilities Integration and Development “We’re going through the formal JCIDS (Joint Capabilities Integration and Development
System) process right now. [Naval Sea Systems Command] has completed its second System) process right now. [Naval Sea Systems Command] has completed its second
industry studies, and we’re working on all those documents.” industry studies, and we’re working on all those documents.”
For now, 10 or 11 industry teams remain involved in For now, 10 or 11 industry teams remain involved in the NAVSEA competition, which the NAVSEA competition, which
recently held a second round of industry studies. NAVSEA is working with those teams to recently held a second round of industry studies. NAVSEA is working with those teams to
help iterate what King called “novel” designs, to ensure they were the right size and could help iterate what King called “novel” designs, to ensure they were the right size and could
achieve cost and performance requirements. Mid next year, he said, NAVSEA would achieve cost and performance requirements. Mid next year, he said, NAVSEA would
downselect to three teams for full design, and then would downselect to just one to build downselect to three teams for full design, and then would downselect to just one to build
the first LAW in late FY2022. the first LAW in late FY2022.

38 See “RFI: DRAFT US Navy Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design/Contract Design Statement of Work,” 38 See “RFI: DRAFT US Navy Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design/Contract Design Statement of Work,”
Beta.sam.gov, accessed November 23, 2020, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/c1c8a3900504442fa5ad3bac48cec001/view?Beta.sam.gov, accessed November 23, 2020, at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/c1c8a3900504442fa5ad3bac48cec001/view?
index=opp. See also Rich Abott, “Navy Issues RFI For Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design,” index=opp. See also Rich Abott, “Navy Issues RFI For Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Design,” Defense
Daily, October 19, 2020; Aidan Quigley, “Navy Solicits Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Designs,” , October 19, 2020; Aidan Quigley, “Navy Solicits Light Amphibious Warship Preliminary Designs,” Inside
Defense, October 19, 2020. , October 19, 2020.
39 Aidan Quigley, “Nine Concept Designs Submitted for LAW Industry Studies,” 39 Aidan Quigley, “Nine Concept Designs Submitted for LAW Industry Studies,” Inside Defense, November 9, 2020. ense, November 9, 2020.
40 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” 40 Megan Eckstein, “Navy Officials Reveal Details of New $100M Light Amphibious Warship Concept,” USNI News, ,
November 19, 2020. November 19, 2020.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
14 14

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

“My suspicion is that we’ll begin [research, development, test and evaluation] next year, “My suspicion is that we’ll begin [research, development, test and evaluation] next year,
and then we are aiming at lead ship construction in FY ’22, it’s going to be late in FY ’22 and then we are aiming at lead ship construction in FY ’22, it’s going to be late in FY ’22
,but I still consider that pretty fast,” King said. ,but I still consider that pretty fast,” King said.
“We’re just going to build one, get that out and start playing with it. We’ll probably build “We’re just going to build one, get that out and start playing with it. We’ll probably build
one the next year because we’ve got to get the doctrine right. The [Marine Littoral one the next year because we’ve got to get the doctrine right. The [Marine Littoral
Regiments] are going to start coming online at about the same time – first one’s in Hawaii, Regiments] are going to start coming online at about the same time – first one’s in Hawaii,
we’ll get it out there and let them play with it. And then we’ll go into a build profile of, I we’ll get it out there and let them play with it. And then we’ll go into a build profile of, I
don’t know, probably four or five a year or something like that is what we’re going to aim don’t know, probably four or five a year or something like that is what we’re going to aim
for.”41 for.”41
June 2021 Contract Awards
A June 17, 2021, press report states A June 17, 2021, press report states
The Navy this week issued “concept design” contracts to five companies for the Light The Navy this week issued “concept design” contracts to five companies for the Light
Amphibious Warship ahead of the Fiscal Year 2023 design selection, a service spokesman Amphibious Warship ahead of the Fiscal Year 2023 design selection, a service spokesman
confirmed to USNI News. confirmed to USNI News.
Fincantieri, Austal USA, VT Halter Marine, Bollinger and TAI Engineers were selected Fincantieri, Austal USA, VT Halter Marine, Bollinger and TAI Engineers were selected
for the contracts, Naval Sea Systems Command spokesman Alan Baribeau said. for the contracts, Naval Sea Systems Command spokesman Alan Baribeau said.
“A Concept Studies (CS) contract has been awarded to five offerors with a follow-on “A Concept Studies (CS) contract has been awarded to five offerors with a follow-on
option for Preliminary Design (PD),” Baribeau said in a statement. “The CS/PD efforts option for Preliminary Design (PD),” Baribeau said in a statement. “The CS/PD efforts
include engineering analyses, tradeoff studies, and development of engineering and design include engineering analyses, tradeoff studies, and development of engineering and design
documentation defining concepts studies/preliminary designs.” documentation defining concepts studies/preliminary designs.”
The Navy did not disclose the amount of money each company received to perform the The Navy did not disclose the amount of money each company received to perform the
work, but Baribeau confirmed to USNI News that the total combined amount of the work, but Baribeau confirmed to USNI News that the total combined amount of the
contracts was less than $7.5 million.42 contracts was less than $7.5 million.42
A February 10, 2022, press report states A February 10, 2022, press report states
Moving ahead, the services [i.e., the Navy and Marine Corps] expect a “full and open Moving ahead, the services [i.e., the Navy and Marine Corps] expect a “full and open
competition” once they issue the request for proposals for the detail[ed] design and competition” once they issue the request for proposals for the detail[ed] design and
construction phase, according to Tom Rivers, the executive director of the amphibious, construction phase, according to Tom Rivers, the executive director of the amphibious,
auxiliary and sealift office within the Program Executive Office for Ships. auxiliary and sealift office within the Program Executive Office for Ships.
After issuing five companies “concept design” contracts last year, those same five After issuing five companies “concept design” contracts last year, those same five
companies recently received options for the preliminary design phase, Rivers said. The companies recently received options for the preliminary design phase, Rivers said. The
companies working on the preliminary design are Fincantieri, Austal USA, VT Halter companies working on the preliminary design are Fincantieri, Austal USA, VT Halter
Marine, Bollinger and TAI Engineers. Marine, Bollinger and TAI Engineers.
“So LAW—the initial thought process is based upon parent designs [i.e., existing ship “So LAW—the initial thought process is based upon parent designs [i.e., existing ship
designs from which the design for LAW could be derived] that are already out there in the designs from which the design for LAW could be derived] that are already out there in the
world today to, again, to reduce our risks,” Rivers said at the conference. “As new world today to, again, to reduce our risks,” Rivers said at the conference. “As new
requirements are generated out of the Pentagon, we actually are sharing those with the requirements are generated out of the Pentagon, we actually are sharing those with the
shipyards so they can kind of see what we’re thinking about how it evolves over time and shipyards so they can kind of see what we’re thinking about how it evolves over time and
then they can kind of build that into the—and they come back to us and say, ‘hey here’s then they can kind of build that into the—and they come back to us and say, ‘hey here’s
the impact of that particular change on our configuration.’ Either it’s small or large and the impact of that particular change on our configuration.’ Either it’s small or large and
then we take that in consideration into the final requirements.” then we take that in consideration into the final requirements.”

41 Megan Eckstein, “Marines, Navy Moving Quickly on Light Amphib, Anti-Ship Missiles to Create More Warfighting 41 Megan Eckstein, “Marines, Navy Moving Quickly on Light Amphib, Anti-Ship Missiles to Create More Warfighting
Options,” Options,” USNI News, January 11, 2021. Material in brackets as in original. See also Rich Abott, “Kilby Outlines , January 11, 2021. Material in brackets as in original. See also Rich Abott, “Kilby Outlines
Factors Leading To Faster New Light Amphib Development,” Factors Leading To Faster New Light Amphib Development,” Defense Daily, February 5, 2021. , February 5, 2021.
42 Mallory Shelbourne, “Navy Awards 5 Companies Light Amphibious Warship ‘Concept Design’ Contracts,” 42 Mallory Shelbourne, “Navy Awards 5 Companies Light Amphibious Warship ‘Concept Design’ Contracts,” USNI
News, June 17, 2021. , June 17, 2021.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
15 15

link to page 11 link to page 11 Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

This type of process is helping the Navy determine what it can do with the various parent This type of process is helping the Navy determine what it can do with the various parent
designs, Rivers said.43 designs, Rivers said.43
RFP and Award of Detail Design and Construction (DD&C) Contract
As mentioned earlier, the Navy plans to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the detail As mentioned earlier, the Navy plans to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the detail
design and construction (DD&C) contract for the LAW program in the second quarter of FY2022, design and construction (DD&C) contract for the LAW program in the second quarter of FY2022,
and to award the contract in the first quester of FY2023. and to award the contract in the first quester of FY2023.
FY2022 Funding Request
The Navy’s proposed FY2022 budget The Navy’s proposed FY2022 budget ~~requests~~requested $13.2 million in research and development $13.2 million in research and development
funding for the program. The funding is requested in Project 4044 (Next Generation Medium funding for the program. The funding is requested in Project 4044 (Next Generation Medium
Amphibious Ship) of PE (Program Element) 0603563N (Ship Concept Advanced Design), which Amphibious Ship) of PE (Program Element) 0603563N (Ship Concept Advanced Design), which
is line number 46 in the Navy’s FY2022 research and development account. is line number 46 in the Navy’s FY2022 research and development account.
Issues for Congress
The LAW program poses a number of potential oversight matters for Congress, including those The LAW program poses a number of potential oversight matters for Congress, including those
discussed briefly in the sections below. discussed briefly in the sections below.
Future Amphibious Ship Force-Level Goal
One issue for Congress concerns the future amphibious ship force-level goal, which could affect One issue for Congress concerns the future amphibious ship force-level goal, which could affect
future procurement quantities for LHA-type ships, LPD-17 Flight II class ships, and LAWs. In future procurement quantities for LHA-type ships, LPD-17 Flight II class ships, and LAWs. In
connection with this issue, one potential oversight question for Congress concerns the difference connection with this issue, one potential oversight question for Congress concerns the difference
between the emerging force-level goal for amphibious ships in the Biden Administration’s June between the emerging force-level goal for amphibious ships in the Biden Administration’s June
17, 2021, long-range Navy shipbuilding document and the emerging force-level goal for 17, 2021, long-range Navy shipbuilding document and the emerging force-level goal for
amphibious ships in the Trump Administration’s December 9, 2020, long-range Navy amphibious ships in the Trump Administration’s December 9, 2020, long-range Navy
shipbuilding document. Using the figures shown ishipbuilding document. Using the figures shown in Table 1, the Trump Administration’s the Trump Administration’s
emerging force-level goal for amphibious ships includes about 6%-27% more amphibious ships emerging force-level goal for amphibious ships includes about 6%-27% more amphibious ships
in total than the Biden Administration’s emerging force-level goal for amphibious ships. A in total than the Biden Administration’s emerging force-level goal for amphibious ships. A
potential oversight question is to what degree this difference between the two emerging force-potential oversight question is to what degree this difference between the two emerging force-
level goals is due to differences between the two Administrations regarding one or more of the level goals is due to differences between the two Administrations regarding one or more of the
following factors: following factors:
 U.S. national security strategy and U.S. national defense strategy;  U.S. national security strategy and U.S. national defense strategy;
 projections of future capabilities of potential adversaries such as China and  projections of future capabilities of potential adversaries such as China and
Russia; Russia;
 consequent requirements, from the two factors above, for day-to-day forward-  consequent requirements, from the two factors above, for day-to-day forward-
deployed Navy capacity and capability and Navy warfighting capacity and deployed Navy capacity and capability and Navy warfighting capacity and
capability; capability;
 assumptions about the capabilities of future U.S. Navy manned and unmanned  assumptions about the capabilities of future U.S. Navy manned and unmanned
ships; ships;
 Navy homeporting arrangements and operational cycles;  Navy homeporting arrangements and operational cycles;

43 Mallory Shelbourne and Sam LaGrone, “Navy, Marines Want the Light Amphibious Warship to Haul 75 Marines for 43 Mallory Shelbourne and Sam LaGrone, “Navy, Marines Want the Light Amphibious Warship to Haul 75 Marines for
$150M or Less,” $150M or Less,” USNI News, February 10, 2022. See also Aidan Quigley, “Five Shipbuilders Emerge as Leading Light , February 10, 2022. See also Aidan Quigley, “Five Shipbuilders Emerge as Leading Light
Amphibious Warship Contenders,” Amphibious Warship Contenders,” Inside Defense, February 2, 2022. , February 2, 2022.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
16 16

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

 projections about future Navy budgets, including future Navy shipbuilding  projections about future Navy budgets, including future Navy shipbuilding
budgets; and budgets; and
 the degree of operational risk deemed acceptable regarding the ability of the  the degree of operational risk deemed acceptable regarding the ability of the
Navy to successfully perform its various day-to-day and warfighting missions. Navy to successfully perform its various day-to-day and warfighting missions.
A related potential oversight issue for Congress concerns how the LAW would fit into the Navy’s A related potential oversight issue for Congress concerns how the LAW would fit into the Navy’s
overall future fleet architecture. Potential oversight questions for Congress include the following: overall future fleet architecture. Potential oversight questions for Congress include the following:
 What is the analytical basis for the envisioned procurement quantity of 24 to 35  What is the analytical basis for the envisioned procurement quantity of 24 to 35
LAWs?44 LAWs?44
 How well can the cost-effectiveness of a force of 24 to 35 LAWs be assessed if  How well can the cost-effectiveness of a force of 24 to 35 LAWs be assessed if
the remainder of the Navy’s amphibious ship fleet architecture is not yet fully the remainder of the Navy’s amphibious ship fleet architecture is not yet fully
known? known?
EABO Operational Concept
Another potential oversight issue for Congress concerns the merits of the EABO operational Another potential oversight issue for Congress concerns the merits of the EABO operational
concept that the LAW is intended to help Marine Corps implement. Debate on the merits of the concept that the LAW is intended to help Marine Corps implement. Debate on the merits of the
EABO concept concerns issues such as EABO concept concerns issues such as
 whether the concept is focused too exclusively on potential conflict scenarios  whether the concept is focused too exclusively on potential conflict scenarios
with China at the expense of other kinds of potential Marine Corps missions; with China at the expense of other kinds of potential Marine Corps missions;
 the ability of Marine forces to gain access to the islands from which they would  the ability of Marine forces to gain access to the islands from which they would
operate; operate;
 the ability to resupply Marine forces that are operating on the islands;45  the ability to resupply Marine forces that are operating on the islands;45
 the survivability of Marine forces on the islands and in surrounding waters;46  the survivability of Marine forces on the islands and in surrounding waters;46
 how much of a contribution the envisioned operations by Marine forces would  how much of a contribution the envisioned operations by Marine forces would
make in contributing to overall U.S. sea-denial operations; and make in contributing to overall U.S. sea-denial operations; and
 potential alternative ways of using the funding and personnel that would be  potential alternative ways of using the funding and personnel that would be
needed to implement EABO.47 needed to implement EABO.47

44 For an article that raises questions concerning the analytical foundation for the LAW program, see Daniel Goure, 44 For an article that raises questions concerning the analytical foundation for the LAW program, see Daniel Goure,
“Light Amphibious Warship: A Mistake For The U.S. Marine Corps And Navy?” “Light Amphibious Warship: A Mistake For The U.S. Marine Corps And Navy?” 19FortyFive, July 27, 2021. , July 27, 2021.
45 See, for example, John M. Doyle, “Berger Says Supporting a Widely Distributed Maritime Force Will Be a 45 See, for example, John M. Doyle, “Berger Says Supporting a Widely Distributed Maritime Force Will Be a
Challenge,” Challenge,” Seapower, May 14, 2021. , May 14, 2021.
46 See, for example, Yasmin Tadjdeh, “Light Amphibious Warships Face Survivability Questions,” 46 See, for example, Yasmin Tadjdeh, “Light Amphibious Warships Face Survivability Questions,” National Defense, ,
April 23, 2021. April 23, 2021.
47 For a CRS report on the proposed redesign of the Marine Corps to support new operational concepts such as EABO, 47 For a CRS report on the proposed redesign of the Marine Corps to support new operational concepts such as EABO,
see CRS Insight IN11281, see CRS Insight IN11281, New U.S. Marine Corps Force Design Initiatives, by Andrew Feickert. See also John M. , by Andrew Feickert. See also John M.
Doyle, “Navy, Marine Corps Labs Exploring How to Keep Advanced Bases Supplied and Safe,” Doyle, “Navy, Marine Corps Labs Exploring How to Keep Advanced Bases Supplied and Safe,” Seapower, February , February
10, 2022. 10, 2022.
For Marine Corps statements about the redesign of the Marine Corps and EABO, see U.S. Marine Corps, For Marine Corps statements about the redesign of the Marine Corps and EABO, see U.S. Marine Corps,
Commandant’s Planning Guidance, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, undated, released July 2019, 23 pp.; U.S. , undated, released July 2019, 23 pp.; U.S.
Marine Corps, Marine Corps, Force Design 2030, March 2020, 13 pp.; David H. Berger, “The Case for Change,” , March 2020, 13 pp.; David H. Berger, “The Case for Change,” Marine Corps
Gazette, June 2020: 8-12. See also Megan Eckstein, “Marines Testing Regiment at Heart of Emerging Island-Hopping , June 2020: 8-12. See also Megan Eckstein, “Marines Testing Regiment at Heart of Emerging Island-Hopping
Future,” Future,” USNI News, June 4 (updated June 12), 2020; Megan Eckstein, “Marines Look to Two New Ship Classes to , June 4 (updated June 12), 2020; Megan Eckstein, “Marines Look to Two New Ship Classes to
Define Future of Amphibious Operations,” Define Future of Amphibious Operations,” USNI News, June 4 (updated June 12), 202; David Berger, “Marines Will , June 4 (updated June 12), 202; David Berger, “Marines Will
Help Fight Submarines,” Help Fight Submarines,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, November 2020. , November 2020.
For press articles discussing the proposed redesign of the Marine Corps to support new operational concepts such as For press articles discussing the proposed redesign of the Marine Corps to support new operational concepts such as
EABO, see Philip Athey, “Marines vs. China―the Corps Just Put These Tactics to the Test,” EABO, see Philip Athey, “Marines vs. China―the Corps Just Put These Tactics to the Test,” Marine Corps Times, ,
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
17 17

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

Potential oversight questions for Congress include the following: Potential oversight questions for Congress include the following:
 What are the potential benefits, costs, and risks of the EABO concept?  What are the potential benefits, costs, and risks of the EABO concept?
 What work have the Navy and Marine Corps done in terms of analyses and war  What work have the Navy and Marine Corps done in terms of analyses and war
games to develop and test the concept? games to develop and test the concept?
 Would EABO be more cost effective to implement than other potential uses of  Would EABO be more cost effective to implement than other potential uses of
the funding and personnel? the funding and personnel?
Preliminary Cost Target
Another potential oversight issue for Congress concerns the Navy’s preliminary procurement cost Another potential oversight issue for Congress concerns the Navy’s preliminary procurement cost
target for the LAW. Potential oversight questions for Congress include the following: target for the LAW. Potential oversight questions for Congress include the following:
 Is the Navy’s estimated unit procurement cost reasonable, given the features the  Is the Navy’s estimated unit procurement cost reasonable, given the features the
Navy wants the ship to have? Navy wants the ship to have?
 As the LAW program proceeds, will the operational requirements (and thus cost)  As the LAW program proceeds, will the operational requirements (and thus cost)
of the LAW increase? of the LAW increase?
In connection questions such as these, a September 21, 2020, press report states In connection questions such as these, a September 21, 2020, press report states
The U.S. Marine Corps is moving as fast as it can to field a new class of light amphibious The U.S. Marine Corps is moving as fast as it can to field a new class of light amphibious
warship, but it remains unclear what it will do, where it will be based or what capabilities warship, but it remains unclear what it will do, where it will be based or what capabilities
it will bring to the fight. it will bring to the fight.
The idea behind the ship is to take a commercial design or adapt a historic design to make The idea behind the ship is to take a commercial design or adapt a historic design to make
a vessel capable of accommodating up to 40 sailors and at least 75 Marines to transport a vessel capable of accommodating up to 40 sailors and at least 75 Marines to transport
Marine kit over a range of about 3,500 nautical miles, according to a recent industry day Marine kit over a range of about 3,500 nautical miles, according to a recent industry day
presentation. presentation.
While the presentation noted that the ship should have few tailored Navy requirements, While the presentation noted that the ship should have few tailored Navy requirements,
that also creates a problem: If the Navy is going to pay tens of millions to develop, build, that also creates a problem: If the Navy is going to pay tens of millions to develop, build,

October 19, 2020; Mark Perry, “The Marines Corps Is Rolling Out a ‘Subversive’ New Strategy to Take on China,” October 19, 2020; Mark Perry, “The Marines Corps Is Rolling Out a ‘Subversive’ New Strategy to Take on China,”
Business Insider, October 15, 2020; David B. Larter, “Are the US Army and US Marine Corps Competing for Missions Business Insider, October 15, 2020; David B. Larter, “Are the US Army and US Marine Corps Competing for Missions
in the Pacific?” in the Pacific?” Defense News, October 14, 2020; Michael Fabey, “Template For Change: Marine Corps’ New Vision , October 14, 2020; Michael Fabey, “Template For Change: Marine Corps’ New Vision
Sets A Headmark For U.S. Navy Transformation,” Sets A Headmark For U.S. Navy Transformation,” Jane’s Navy International, September 9, 2020; Chris “Junior” , September 9, 2020; Chris “Junior”
Cannon, “The Commandant Needs Our Help: Accelerating Marine Corps Force Development,” Center for International Cannon, “The Commandant Needs Our Help: Accelerating Marine Corps Force Development,” Center for International
Maritime Security (CIMSEC), August 25, 2020; Mallory Shelbourne, “Panel: New Focus on China Fight Could Rob Maritime Security (CIMSEC), August 25, 2020; Mallory Shelbourne, “Panel: New Focus on China Fight Could Rob
Marine Corps of Versatility,” Marine Corps of Versatility,” USNI News, July 30, 2020; Tanner Greer, “The Tip of the American Military Spear Is , July 30, 2020; Tanner Greer, “The Tip of the American Military Spear Is
Being Blunted,” Being Blunted,” Foreign Policy, July 6, 2020; Ben Wan Beng Ho, “Shortfalls in the Marine Corps’ EABO Concept,” , July 6, 2020; Ben Wan Beng Ho, “Shortfalls in the Marine Corps’ EABO Concept,”
U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, July 2020; J. Noel Williams, “Force Design,” , July 2020; J. Noel Williams, “Force Design,” Marine Corps Gazette, July 2020; , July 2020;
Dakota Wood, “The Marines: To Boldly Go Where the Corps Has Gone Before,” Dakota Wood, “The Marines: To Boldly Go Where the Corps Has Gone Before,” Washington Times, June 24, 2020; , June 24, 2020;
Paul McLeary, “In War, Chinese Shipyards Could Outpace US in Replacing Losses; Marine Commandant,” Paul McLeary, “In War, Chinese Shipyards Could Outpace US in Replacing Losses; Marine Commandant,” Breaking
Defense, June 17, 2020; Dakota Wood, , June 17, 2020; Dakota Wood, The U.S. Marine Corps: A Service in Transition, Heritage Foundation, June , Heritage Foundation, June
216, 2020, 18 pp.; David B. Larter, “In His Fight to Change the Corps, America’s Top Marine Takes Friendly Fire,” 216, 2020, 18 pp.; David B. Larter, “In His Fight to Change the Corps, America’s Top Marine Takes Friendly Fire,”
Defense News, June 11, 2020; Gina Harkins, “Marine 3-Star Hits Back at Claims that Corps’ Future Design Is Too , June 11, 2020; Gina Harkins, “Marine 3-Star Hits Back at Claims that Corps’ Future Design Is Too
China-Focused,” China-Focused,” Military.com, June 2, 2020; Frank G. Hoffman, “Still First to Fight?” , June 2, 2020; Frank G. Hoffman, “Still First to Fight?” Marine Corps Gazette, June , June
2020; Gary Anderson, “Addressing the Chinese Threat in the Indo-Pacific Area,” 2020; Gary Anderson, “Addressing the Chinese Threat in the Indo-Pacific Area,” Washington Times, May 25, 2020; , May 25, 2020;
Matthew Fay and Michael A. Hunzeker, “No Sure Victory: The Marines New Force Design Plan and the Politics of Matthew Fay and Michael A. Hunzeker, “No Sure Victory: The Marines New Force Design Plan and the Politics of
Implementation,” Implementation,” War on the Rocks, May 14, 2020; Jim Webb, “The Future of the U.S. Marine Corps,” cks, May 14, 2020; Jim Webb, “The Future of the U.S. Marine Corps,” National
Interest, May 8, 2020; Grant Newsham, “US Marines Revamp Amid China’s Growing Threat,” , May 8, 2020; Grant Newsham, “US Marines Revamp Amid China’s Growing Threat,” Asia Times, May 7, , May 7,
2020; Jeff Cummings, Scott Cuomo, Olivia A. Garard, and Noah Spataro, “Getting the Context of Marine Corps 2020; Jeff Cummings, Scott Cuomo, Olivia A. Garard, and Noah Spataro, “Getting the Context of Marine Corps
Reform Right,” Reform Right,” War on the Rocks, May 1, 2020; Benjamin Jensen, “The Rest of the Story: Evaluating the U.S. Marine , May 1, 2020; Benjamin Jensen, “The Rest of the Story: Evaluating the U.S. Marine
Corps Force Design 2030,” Corps Force Design 2030,” War on the Rocks, April 27, 2020; T. X. Hammes, “Building a Marine Corps for Every , April 27, 2020; T. X. Hammes, “Building a Marine Corps for Every
Contingency, Clime, and Place,” Contingency, Clime, and Place,” War on the Rocks, April 15, 2020; Mark F. Cancian, “The Marine Corps’ Radical , April 15, 2020; Mark F. Cancian, “The Marine Corps’ Radical
Shift toward China,” Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), March 25, 2020. Shift toward China,” Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), March 25, 2020.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
18 18

link to page 24 link to page 24 Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

crew and operate them, should it not provide some additional value to the fleet [beyond its crew and operate them, should it not provide some additional value to the fleet [beyond its
currently envisioned role]? currently envisioned role]?
Analysts, experts and sources with knowledge of internal discussions who spoke to Analysts, experts and sources with knowledge of internal discussions who spoke to
Defense News say the answer to that question is a source of friction inside the Pentagon…. Defense News say the answer to that question is a source of friction inside the Pentagon….
When asked whether the ship should contribute to a more distributed sensor architecture to When asked whether the ship should contribute to a more distributed sensor architecture to
align with the Navy’s desire to be more spreadalign with the Navy’s desire to be more spread out over a large area during a fight, [he out over a large area during a fight, [he
chief of naval operations’ director of expeditionary warfare, Maj. Gen. Tracy King] chief of naval operations’ director of expeditionary warfare, Maj. Gen. Tracy King]
answered in the affirmative. answered in the affirmative.
“[But] I really see it benefiting from [that architecture] more,” he said. “We need to build “[But] I really see it benefiting from [that architecture] more,” he said. “We need to build
an affordable ship that can get after the ability to do maritime campaigning in the littorals.” an affordable ship that can get after the ability to do maritime campaigning in the littorals.”
The unstated implication appeared to be that if the ship is loaded up with sensors and The unstated implication appeared to be that if the ship is loaded up with sensors and
requirements, it will slow down the process and increase the cost. Analysts who spoke to requirements, it will slow down the process and increase the cost. Analysts who spoke to
Defense News agreed with that, saying the Navy is likely trying to put more systems on Defense News agreed with that, saying the Navy is likely trying to put more systems on
the platform that will make it more complex and more expensive…. the platform that will make it more complex and more expensive….
“The hardest part is going to be appetite suppression, especially on the part of the Navy,” “The hardest part is going to be appetite suppression, especially on the part of the Navy,”
said Dakota Wood, a retired Marine officer and analyst with The Heritage Foundation. said Dakota Wood, a retired Marine officer and analyst with The Heritage Foundation.
“This is what we saw in the littoral combat ship LCS:48 It started out as a very light, near-“This is what we saw in the littoral combat ship LCS:48 It started out as a very light, near-
shore, small and inexpensive street fighter. And then people started adding on shore, small and inexpensive street fighter. And then people started adding on
requirements. You had ballooning costs, increasing complexity of the platform, and you requirements. You had ballooning costs, increasing complexity of the platform, and you
get into all kinds of problems….” get into all kinds of problems….”
[Jerry Hendrix, a retired Navy captain and analyst with the Telemus Group] acknowledged [Jerry Hendrix, a retired Navy captain and analyst with the Telemus Group] acknowledged
that the Navy has good reason to want the light amphibious warship to have more that the Navy has good reason to want the light amphibious warship to have more
capability, but added that the Corps is more interested in something simple than something capability, but added that the Corps is more interested in something simple than something
costly and elaborate. costly and elaborate.
“What that does,” Hendrix said, “is drive up unit cost and drive down the numbers that can “What that does,” Hendrix said, “is drive up unit cost and drive down the numbers that can
be purchased.”49 be purchased.”49
Potential Alternative of Adapting Existing Army LSVs
Another potential issue for Congress is whether at least some portion of the operational Another potential issue for Congress is whether at least some portion of the operational
requirements for the LAW program could be met cost effectively met by adapting existing U.S. requirements for the LAW program could be met cost effectively met by adapting existing U.S.
military ships rather than building new LAWs. Some observers, for example, argue that at least military ships rather than building new LAWs. Some observers, for example, argue that at least
some portion of the operational requirements for the LAW program could be met more cost-some portion of the operational requirements for the LAW program could be met more cost-
effectively by transferring existing Army watercraft known as Logistics Support Vessels (LSVs) effectively by transferring existing Army watercraft known as Logistics Support Vessels (LSVs)
(Figure 4) to the Navy and adapting these LSVs to the LAW mission. to the Navy and adapting these LSVs to the LAW mission.

48 For more on the LCS program, see CRS Report RL33741, 48 For more on the LCS program, see CRS Report RL33741, Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program: Background
and Issues for Congress, by Ronald O'Rourke. , by Ronald O'Rourke.
49 David B. Larter, “US Marines Wants to Move Fast on a Light Amphibious Warship. But What is It?” 49 David B. Larter, “US Marines Wants to Move Fast on a Light Amphibious Warship. But What is It?” Defense News, ,
September 21, 2020. September 21, 2020.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
19 19

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

Figure 4. Besson-Class Logistics Support Vessel (LSV)

Source: Cropped version of photograph accompanying Walker D. Mil s and Joseph Hanacek, “The US Navy and Cropped version of photograph accompanying Walker D. Mil s and Joseph Hanacek, “The US Navy and
Marine Corps Should Acquire Army Watercraft,” Marine Corps Should Acquire Army Watercraft,” Defense News, June 22, 2020. The caption to the photograph , June 22, 2020. The caption to the photograph
credits the photograph to the U.S. Navy and states, “U.S. Navy sailors conduct a simulated disaster relief supply credits the photograph to the U.S. Navy and states, “U.S. Navy sailors conduct a simulated disaster relief supply
offload from a General Frank S. Besson-class logistics support vessel at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on July offload from a General Frank S. Besson-class logistics support vessel at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on July
10, 2016.” 10, 2016.”
A June 22, 2020, opinion piece discussing this idea states A June 22, 2020, opinion piece discussing this idea states
The Navy intends to acquire up to 30 new light amphibious warships, or LAW, to support The Navy intends to acquire up to 30 new light amphibious warships, or LAW, to support
new Marine Corps requirements.… Rather than accepting a new amphibious design built new Marine Corps requirements.… Rather than accepting a new amphibious design built
from the ground up, however, decision-makers should take advantage of the fact that many from the ground up, however, decision-makers should take advantage of the fact that many
key requirements of the new vessels are very similar to the capabilities of vessels operated key requirements of the new vessels are very similar to the capabilities of vessels operated
by U.S. Army Transportation Command. by U.S. Army Transportation Command.
The Navy and Marine Corps should delay any new construction and immediately acquire The Navy and Marine Corps should delay any new construction and immediately acquire
some of these existing vessels to drive experimentation and better inform their some of these existing vessels to drive experimentation and better inform their
requirements for the LAW program…. requirements for the LAW program….
U.S. Army Transportation Command has over 100 vessels, and dozens have similar U.S. Army Transportation Command has over 100 vessels, and dozens have similar
capabilities to those required of the LAW. The Army’s LCU-2000s, also called the capabilities to those required of the LAW. The Army’s LCU-2000s, also called the
Runnymede-class large landing crafts, are smaller, with roughly half of the cargo space Runnymede-class large landing crafts, are smaller, with roughly half of the cargo space
designed for the LAW and slightly slower, but they boast nearly double the range. The designed for the LAW and slightly slower, but they boast nearly double the range. The
Runnymede-class vessels have nearly 4,000 square feet of cargo space and can travel 6,500 Runnymede-class vessels have nearly 4,000 square feet of cargo space and can travel 6,500
miles when loaded and at 12 knots; and they can unload at the beach with their bow ramp. miles when loaded and at 12 knots; and they can unload at the beach with their bow ramp.
The Army’s General Frank S. Besson-class logistics support vessels are larger than the The Army’s General Frank S. Besson-class logistics support vessels are larger than the
future LAW, at 273 feet in length but can claim 10,500 square feet of cargo space and a future LAW, at 273 feet in length but can claim 10,500 square feet of cargo space and a
6,500-mile range loaded to match the LCU-2000. These vessels also have both a bow and 6,500-mile range loaded to match the LCU-2000. These vessels also have both a bow and
stern ramp for roll-on/roll-off capability at the beach or ship-to-ship docking at sea. The stern ramp for roll-on/roll-off capability at the beach or ship-to-ship docking at sea. The
version built for the Phillipine military also has a helipad. version built for the Phillipine military also has a helipad.
Army Transportation Command has 32 Runnymede-class and eight General Frank S. Army Transportation Command has 32 Runnymede-class and eight General Frank S.
Besson-class vessels in service. Mostly built in the 1990s, both classes of vessel have many Besson-class vessels in service. Mostly built in the 1990s, both classes of vessel have many
years left in their life expectancy and more than meet the Navy’s 10-year life expectancy years left in their life expectancy and more than meet the Navy’s 10-year life expectancy
for the LAW. for the LAW.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
20 20

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

These vessels are operable today and could be transferred from the Army to the Navy or These vessels are operable today and could be transferred from the Army to the Navy or
Marine Corps tomorrow. In fact, the Army was attempting to divest itself of these Marine Corps tomorrow. In fact, the Army was attempting to divest itself of these
watercraft less than a year ago, which underscores the importance of this opportunity even watercraft less than a year ago, which underscores the importance of this opportunity even
further. Congress is firmly set against the Army getting rid of valuable, seaworthy vessels further. Congress is firmly set against the Army getting rid of valuable, seaworthy vessels
and has quashed all of the Army’s efforts to do so thus far, but transferring this equipment and has quashed all of the Army’s efforts to do so thus far, but transferring this equipment
to the Navy is a reasonable course of action that should satisfy all parties involved…. to the Navy is a reasonable course of action that should satisfy all parties involved….
By acquiring a watercraft that meets most of their requirements from the Army, the Navy By acquiring a watercraft that meets most of their requirements from the Army, the Navy
and Marine Corps simultaneously fill current capability gaps and obtain an invaluable and Marine Corps simultaneously fill current capability gaps and obtain an invaluable
series of assets they can use to support the evaluation and experimentation of new designs series of assets they can use to support the evaluation and experimentation of new designs
and concepts. This will allow Navy and Marine leaders to give their units the maximum and concepts. This will allow Navy and Marine leaders to give their units the maximum
amount of time to evaluate and experiment with new designs to get a better idea of what amount of time to evaluate and experiment with new designs to get a better idea of what
they need both in future amphibious craft as well as operational and support equipment…. they need both in future amphibious craft as well as operational and support equipment….
Often overlooked, the availability of surplus vessels is absolutely critical to the process of Often overlooked, the availability of surplus vessels is absolutely critical to the process of
developing new technologies, developing the tactics to employ them, conducting training, developing new technologies, developing the tactics to employ them, conducting training,
and providing decision-makers the requisite capacity to remain flexible in the face of and providing decision-makers the requisite capacity to remain flexible in the face of
unexpected challenges…. unexpected challenges….
[The Navy and Marine Corps have] long been in need of a boost in their amphibious [The Navy and Marine Corps have] long been in need of a boost in their amphibious
capabilities so as to be better positioned to meet the demands of today and prepare for the capabilities so as to be better positioned to meet the demands of today and prepare for the
challenges of tomorrow, and taking possession of the Army’s Runnymede- and Frank S. challenges of tomorrow, and taking possession of the Army’s Runnymede- and Frank S.
Benson-class vessels is a solution on a silver platter.50 Benson-class vessels is a solution on a silver platter.50
Potential questions for Congress include the following: Potential questions for Congress include the following:
 How many of these watercraft would be available for transfer to the Navy for use  How many of these watercraft would be available for transfer to the Navy for use
in meeting the operational requirements of the LAW program? in meeting the operational requirements of the LAW program?
 How do the capabilities of these watercraft compare with those required for the  How do the capabilities of these watercraft compare with those required for the
LAW? LAW?
 How much remaining service life do these watercraft have?  How much remaining service life do these watercraft have?
 Given the number of these watercraft that would be available for transfer to the  Given the number of these watercraft that would be available for transfer to the
Navy, their operational capabilities, and their remaining service life, what portion Navy, their operational capabilities, and their remaining service life, what portion
of the LAW program’s operational requirements could transferred watercraft of the LAW program’s operational requirements could transferred watercraft
meet? How many LAWs, if any, would still need to be built to fully or meet? How many LAWs, if any, would still need to be built to fully or
substantially meet the LAW program’s operational requirements? substantially meet the LAW program’s operational requirements?
 How do the acquisition and operation and support (O&S) costs of these  How do the acquisition and operation and support (O&S) costs of these
watercraft compare to the estimated acquisition and O&S costs of the LAWs they watercraft compare to the estimated acquisition and O&S costs of the LAWs they
would replace? would replace?
 Taking into account capabilities, acquisition costs, and O&S costs, how does the  Taking into account capabilities, acquisition costs, and O&S costs, how does the
cost effectiveness of an approach involving the transfer of these watercraft cost effectiveness of an approach involving the transfer of these watercraft
compare to that of the Navy’s baseline approach of meeting the LAW program’s compare to that of the Navy’s baseline approach of meeting the LAW program’s
requirements through the acquisition of 24 to 35 new LAWs? requirements through the acquisition of 24 to 35 new LAWs?
 What would be the potential industrial-base implications of using transferred  What would be the potential industrial-base implications of using transferred
watercraft to meet at least some portion of the LAW program’s operational watercraft to meet at least some portion of the LAW program’s operational
needs? needs?

50 Walker D. Mills and Joseph Hanacek, “The US Navy and Marine Corps Should Acquire Army Watercraft,” 50 Walker D. Mills and Joseph Hanacek, “The US Navy and Marine Corps Should Acquire Army Watercraft,” Defense
News, June 22, 2020. See also William Cole, “Army Vessels Could Be Transferred To Marines To Counter China , June 22, 2020. See also William Cole, “Army Vessels Could Be Transferred To Marines To Counter China
Threat,” Threat,” Honolulu Star-Advertiser, February 7, 2022. , February 7, 2022.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
21 21

link to page 26 link to page 26 Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

Industrial-Base Implications
Another potential oversight issue for Congress concerns the potential industrial-base implications Another potential oversight issue for Congress concerns the potential industrial-base implications
of the LAW program. In recent years, all Navy amphibious ships have been built by the Ingalls of the LAW program. In recent years, all Navy amphibious ships have been built by the Ingalls
shipyard of Pascagoula, MS, a part of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII/Ingalls). As noted shipyard of Pascagoula, MS, a part of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII/Ingalls). As noted
earlier, LAWs could be built by multiple U.S. shipyards.51 Potential oversight questions for earlier, LAWs could be built by multiple U.S. shipyards.51 Potential oversight questions for
Congress include, What implications might the LAW program have for the distribution of Navy Congress include, What implications might the LAW program have for the distribution of Navy
shipbuilding work among U.S. shipyards? How many jobs would the LAW program create at the shipbuilding work among U.S. shipyards? How many jobs would the LAW program create at the
shipyard that builds the ships, at associated supplier firms, and indirectly in surrounding shipyard that builds the ships, at associated supplier firms, and indirectly in surrounding
communities? In a situation of finite defense resources, what impact, if any, would funding the communities? In a situation of finite defense resources, what impact, if any, would funding the
procurement of LAWs have on funding available for procuring other types of amphibious ships, procurement of LAWs have on funding available for procuring other types of amphibious ships,
and thus on workloads and employment levels at HII/Ingalls, its associated supplier firms, and and thus on workloads and employment levels at HII/Ingalls, its associated supplier firms, and
their surrounding communities?52 their surrounding communities?52
Legislative Activity for FY2022
Summary of Congressional Action on FY2022 Funding Request
Table 2 summarizes congressional action on the FY2022 procurement funding request for the summarizes congressional action on the FY2022 procurement funding request for the
LAW program. LAW program.
Table 2. Congressional Action on FY2022 Procurement Funding Request
Millions of dollars, rounded to nearest tenth Millions of dollars, rounded to nearest tenth

Authorization
Appropriation

Request
HASC
SASC
Enacted
HAC
SAC
~~Conf.~~Enacted
Research and development Research and development
13.2 13.2
13.2 13.2
13.2 13.2
13.2 13.2
13.2 13.2
13.2 13.2

13.2 Source: Table prepared by CRS based on Navy’s FY2022 budget submission, committee and conference Table prepared by CRS based on Navy’s FY2022 budget submission, committee and conference
reports, and explanatory statements on FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act and FY2022 DOD reports, and explanatory statements on FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act and FY2022 DOD
Appropriations Act. The funding is requested in Project 4044 (Next Generation Medium Amphibious Ship) of PE Appropriations Act. The funding is requested in Project 4044 (Next Generation Medium Amphibious Ship) of PE
(Program Element) 0603563N (Ship Concept Advanced Design), which is line 46 in the Navy‘s FY2022 research (Program Element) 0603563N (Ship Concept Advanced Design), which is line 46 in the Navy‘s FY2022 research
and development account. and development account.
Notes: HASC is House Armed Services Committee; is House Armed Services Committee; SASC is Senate Armed Services Committee; is Senate Armed Services Committee; HAC is is
House Appropriations Committee; House Appropriations Committee; SAC is Senate Appropriations Committee is Senate Appropriations Committee; Conf. ~~is conference agreement~~. .

51 10 U.S.C. §8679 requires that, subject to a presidential waiver for the national security interest, “no vessel to be 51 10 U.S.C. §8679 requires that, subject to a presidential waiver for the national security interest, “no vessel to be
constructed for any of the armed forces, and no major component of the hull or superstructure of any such vessel, may constructed for any of the armed forces, and no major component of the hull or superstructure of any such vessel, may
be constructed in a foreign shipyard.” In addition, the paragraph in the annual DOD appropriations act that makes be constructed in a foreign shipyard.” In addition, the paragraph in the annual DOD appropriations act that makes
appropriations for the Navy’s shipbuilding account (the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy account) typically contains appropriations for the Navy’s shipbuilding account (the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy account) typically contains
these provisos: “ … these provisos: “ … Provided further, That none of the funds provided under this heading for the construction or , That none of the funds provided under this heading for the construction or
conversion of any naval vessel to be constructed in shipyards in the United States shall be expended in foreign facilities conversion of any naval vessel to be constructed in shipyards in the United States shall be expended in foreign facilities
for the construction of major components of such vessel: for the construction of major components of such vessel: Provided further, That none of the funds provided under this , That none of the funds provided under this
heading shall be used for the construction of any naval vessel in foreign shipyards….” heading shall be used for the construction of any naval vessel in foreign shipyards….”
52 Two observers argue that shifting the Navy to a fleet architecture that includes a larger proportion of smaller ships 52 Two observers argue that shifting the Navy to a fleet architecture that includes a larger proportion of smaller ships
would have beneficial impacts on U.S. shipbuilding industry’s ability to support Navy shipbuilding needs. See Bryan would have beneficial impacts on U.S. shipbuilding industry’s ability to support Navy shipbuilding needs. See Bryan
Clark and Timothy A. Walton, “Shipbuilding Suppliers Need More Than Market Forces to Stay Afloat,” Clark and Timothy A. Walton, “Shipbuilding Suppliers Need More Than Market Forces to Stay Afloat,” Defense News, ,
May 20, 2020. May 20, 2020.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
22 22

link to page 26 link to page 26 Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4350/S. 2792/S.
1605/P.L. 117-81)
House
The House Armed Services Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 117-118 of September 10, 2021) on The House Armed Services Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 117-118 of September 10, 2021) on
H.R. 4350, recommended the funding level shown in the HASC column ofH.R. 4350, recommended the funding level shown in the HASC column of Table 2.
Section 1049 of H.R. 4350 as reported by the committee states of H.R. 4350 as reported by the committee states
SEC. 1049. REPORT ON ACQUISITION, DELIVERY, AND USE OF MOBILITY SEC. 1049. REPORT ON ACQUISITION, DELIVERY, AND USE OF MOBILITY
ASSETS THAT ENABLE IMPLEMENTATION OF EXPEDITIONARY ADVANCED ASSETS THAT ENABLE IMPLEMENTATION OF EXPEDITIONARY ADVANCED
BASE OPERATIONS. BASE OPERATIONS.
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this (a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report
that includes a detailed description of each of the following: that includes a detailed description of each of the following:
(1) The doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and (1) The doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and
facilities required to operate and maintain a force of 24 to 35 Light Amphibious Warships, facilities required to operate and maintain a force of 24 to 35 Light Amphibious Warships,
as well as the feasibility of accelerating the current Light Amphibius Warship procurement as well as the feasibility of accelerating the current Light Amphibius Warship procurement
plan and delivery schedule. plan and delivery schedule.
(2) The specific number, type, and mix of manned and unmanned strategic mobility wing- (2) The specific number, type, and mix of manned and unmanned strategic mobility wing-
in-ground effect platforms required to support distributed maritime operations and in-ground effect platforms required to support distributed maritime operations and
expeditionary advanced base operations. expeditionary advanced base operations.
(3) The feasibility of the Navy and Marine Littoral Regiments using other joint and (3) The feasibility of the Navy and Marine Littoral Regiments using other joint and
interagency mobility platforms prior to the operational availability of Light Amphibious interagency mobility platforms prior to the operational availability of Light Amphibious
Warships or wing-in-ground effect platforms, including— Warships or wing-in-ground effect platforms, including—
(A) United States Army Transportation Command’s more than 100 LCU-2000, (A) United States Army Transportation Command’s more than 100 LCU-2000,
Runnymede-class and the eight General Frank S. Besson-class logistics support vessels; Runnymede-class and the eight General Frank S. Besson-class logistics support vessels;
(B) commercial vessel options, currently available, that meet Marine Littoral Regiment (B) commercial vessel options, currently available, that meet Marine Littoral Regiment
requirements for movement, maneuver, sustainment, training, interoperability, and cargo requirements for movement, maneuver, sustainment, training, interoperability, and cargo
capacity and delivery; capacity and delivery;
(C) maritime prepositioning force vessels; and (C) maritime prepositioning force vessels; and
(D) Coast Guard vessels. (D) Coast Guard vessels.
(4) The specific number, type, and mix of long-range unmanned surface vessel platforms (4) The specific number, type, and mix of long-range unmanned surface vessel platforms
required to support distributed maritime operations, expeditionary advanced base required to support distributed maritime operations, expeditionary advanced base
operations, along with their operational interaction with the fleet’s warfighting capabilities; operations, along with their operational interaction with the fleet’s warfighting capabilities;
(5) The feasibility of integrating Marine Littoral Regiments with— (5) The feasibility of integrating Marine Littoral Regiments with—
(A) Special Operations activities; (A) Special Operations activities;
(B) joint and interagency planning; (B) joint and interagency planning;
(C) information warfare operations; and (C) information warfare operations; and
(D) command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and (D) command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance, and security cooperation activities. reconnaissance, and security cooperation activities.
(6) The projected cost, and any additional resources required, to accelerate the operational (6) The projected cost, and any additional resources required, to accelerate the operational
deployment of Marine Littoral Regiments and deliver the capabilities described in deployment of Marine Littoral Regiments and deliver the capabilities described in
paragraphs (1) through (5) by not later than three years after the date of the enactment of paragraphs (1) through (5) by not later than three years after the date of the enactment of
this Act. this Act.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
23 23

link to page 26 link to page 26 link to page 26 link to page 26 Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

(b) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in a (b) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in a
publicly accessible, unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex. publicly accessible, unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
Senate
The Senate Armed Services Committee, in its report (S.Rept. 117-39 of September 22 [legislative The Senate Armed Services Committee, in its report (S.Rept. 117-39 of September 22 [legislative
day, September 21], 2021) on S. 2792, recommended the funding level shown in the SASC day, September 21], 2021) on S. 2792, recommended the funding level shown in the SASC
column ofcolumn of Table 2.
Enacted ~~Version~~
The joint explanatory statement for the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1605/P.L. The joint explanatory statement for the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1605/P.L.
117-81 of December 27, 2021) recommends the funding level shown in the 117-81 of December 27, 2021) recommends the funding level shown in the ~~Enacted~~ authorization enacted column of column of
Table 2.
Section 1022 of S. 1605/P.L. 117-81 states of S. 1605/P.L. 117-81 states
SEC. 1022. REPORT ON ACQUISITION, DELIVERY, AND USE OF MOBILITY SEC. 1022. REPORT ON ACQUISITION, DELIVERY, AND USE OF MOBILITY
ASSETS THAT ENABLE IMPLEMENTATION OF EXPEDITIONARY ADVANCED ASSETS THAT ENABLE IMPLEMENTATION OF EXPEDITIONARY ADVANCED
BASE OPERATIONS. BASE OPERATIONS.
(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this (a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a
report that includes a detailed description of each of the following: report that includes a detailed description of each of the following:
(1) The doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and (1) The doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and
facilities required to operate and maintain a force of 24 to 35 Light Amphibious Warships, facilities required to operate and maintain a force of 24 to 35 Light Amphibious Warships,
including— including—
(A) the estimated timeline for procuring and delivering such warships; (A) the estimated timeline for procuring and delivering such warships;
(B) the estimated cost to procure, man, train, operate, maintain, and modernize such (B) the estimated cost to procure, man, train, operate, maintain, and modernize such
warships for each of the 10 years following the year in which the report is submitted, warships for each of the 10 years following the year in which the report is submitted,
together with the notional Department of Defense appropriations account associated with together with the notional Department of Defense appropriations account associated with
each such cost; and each such cost; and
(C) the feasibility of accelerating the current Light Amphibius Warship procurement plan (C) the feasibility of accelerating the current Light Amphibius Warship procurement plan
and delivery schedule. and delivery schedule.
(2) The specific number, type, and mix of manned and unmanned platforms required to (2) The specific number, type, and mix of manned and unmanned platforms required to
support distributed maritime operations and expeditionary advanced base operations. support distributed maritime operations and expeditionary advanced base operations.
(3) The feasibility of Marine Littoral Regiments using other joint and interagency mobility (3) The feasibility of Marine Littoral Regiments using other joint and interagency mobility
platforms prior to, in addition to, or in lieu of the operational availability of Light platforms prior to, in addition to, or in lieu of the operational availability of Light
Amphibious Warships, including— Amphibious Warships, including—
(A) Army LCU-2000, Runnymede-class and General Frank S. Besson-class logistics (A) Army LCU-2000, Runnymede-class and General Frank S. Besson-class logistics
support vessels; support vessels;
(B) Navy LCU-1610 or LCU-1700, Landing Craft Air Cushioned, and Ship-to-Shore (B) Navy LCU-1610 or LCU-1700, Landing Craft Air Cushioned, and Ship-to-Shore
Connector vessels; Connector vessels;
(C) commercial vessel options that— (C) commercial vessel options that—
(i) are available as of the date of the enactment of this Act; and (i) are available as of the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(ii) meet Marine Littoral Regiment requirements for movement, maneuver, sustainment, (ii) meet Marine Littoral Regiment requirements for movement, maneuver, sustainment,
training, interoperability, and cargo capacity and delivery; training, interoperability, and cargo capacity and delivery;
(D) maritime prepositioning force vessels; and (D) maritime prepositioning force vessels; and
(E) Coast Guard vessels. (E) Coast Guard vessels.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
24 24

link to page 26 link to page 26 link to page 26 link to page 26 link to page 26 Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

(4) The specific number, type, and mix of long range unmanned surface vessel platforms (4) The specific number, type, and mix of long range unmanned surface vessel platforms
required to support distributed maritime operations, expeditionary advanced base required to support distributed maritime operations, expeditionary advanced base
operations, along with their operational interaction with the warfighting capabilities of the operations, along with their operational interaction with the warfighting capabilities of the
fleet, including— fleet, including—
(A) the estimated timeline for procuring and delivering such platforms; and (A) the estimated timeline for procuring and delivering such platforms; and
(B) the estimated cost to procure, man, train, operate, maintain, and modernize such (B) the estimated cost to procure, man, train, operate, maintain, and modernize such
platforms for each of the 10 years following the year in which the report is submitted, platforms for each of the 10 years following the year in which the report is submitted,
together with the notional Department of Defense appropriations account associated with together with the notional Department of Defense appropriations account associated with
each such cost. each such cost.
(5) The feasibility of integrating Marine Littoral Regiments with— (5) The feasibility of integrating Marine Littoral Regiments with—
(A) special operations activities; (A) special operations activities;
(B) joint and interagency planning; (B) joint and interagency planning;
(C) information warfare operations; and (C) information warfare operations; and
(D) command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and (D) command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance, and security cooperation activities. reconnaissance, and security cooperation activities.
(6) The projected cost and timeline for deploying Marine Littoral Regiments, including— (6) The projected cost and timeline for deploying Marine Littoral Regiments, including—
(A) the extent to which such regiments will deploy with the capabilities listed in paragraphs (A) the extent to which such regiments will deploy with the capabilities listed in paragraphs
(1) through (5) during each of the 10 years following the year in which the report is sub (1) through (5) during each of the 10 years following the year in which the report is sub
mitted; and mitted; and
(B) options to accelerate such deployments or increase the capabilities of such regiments (B) options to accelerate such deployments or increase the capabilities of such regiments
if additional resources are available, together with a description of such resources. if additional resources are available, together with a description of such resources.
(b) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in a (b) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in a
publicly accessible, unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex. publicly accessible, unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
FY2022 DOD Appropriations Act (H.R. 4432/S. XXXX/Division C of H.R. 2471/P.L. 117-103)
House
The House Appropriations Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 117-88 of July 15, 2021) on H.R. The House Appropriations Committee, in its report (H.Rept. 117-88 of July 15, 2021) on H.R.
4432, recommended the funding level shown in the HAC column of4432, recommended the funding level shown in the HAC column of Table 2.
Senate
The Senate Appropriations Committee, in the explanatory statement it released on October 18, The Senate Appropriations Committee, in the explanatory statement it released on October 18,
2021, for the FY2022 DOD Appropriations Act (S. XXXX), recommended the funding level 2021, for the FY2022 DOD Appropriations Act (S. XXXX), recommended the funding level
shown in the SAC column ofshown in the SAC column of Table 2.
Enacted The joint explanatory statement for the FY2022 DOD Appropriations Act (Division C of H.R. 2471/P.L. 117-103 of March 15, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022) provides the funding level shown in the appropriation enacted column of Table 2. Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
25 25

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

Appendix. Proposed Change in Amphibious-Ship
Force Architecture and EABO
This appendix presents additional background information on the proposed change in the This appendix presents additional background information on the proposed change in the
amphibious-ship force architecture and the EABO-related operational rationale behind it. amphibious-ship force architecture and the EABO-related operational rationale behind it.
Proposed Change in Amphibious Ship Force Architecture
Regarding the shift to a new amphibious-ship force architecture, the July 2019 Regarding the shift to a new amphibious-ship force architecture, the July 2019 Commandant’s
Planning Guidance document states in part (emphasis as in the original): document states in part (emphasis as in the original):
Our Nation’s ability to project power and influence beyond its shores is increasingly Our Nation’s ability to project power and influence beyond its shores is increasingly
challenged by long-range precision fires; expanding air, surface, and subsurface threats; challenged by long-range precision fires; expanding air, surface, and subsurface threats;
and the continued degradation of our amphibious and auxiliary ship readiness. The ability and the continued degradation of our amphibious and auxiliary ship readiness. The ability
to project and maneuver from strategic distances will likely be detected and contested from to project and maneuver from strategic distances will likely be detected and contested from
the point of embarkation during a major contingency. Our naval expeditionary forces must the point of embarkation during a major contingency. Our naval expeditionary forces must
possess a variety of deployment options, including L-class [amphibious ships] and E-class possess a variety of deployment options, including L-class [amphibious ships] and E-class
[expeditionary ships] ships, but also increasingly look to other available options such as [expeditionary ships] ships, but also increasingly look to other available options such as
unmanned platforms, stern landing vessels, other ocean-going connectors, and smaller unmanned platforms, stern landing vessels, other ocean-going connectors, and smaller
more lethal and more risk-worthy platforms. more lethal and more risk-worthy platforms. We must continue to seek the affordable
and plentiful at the expense of the exquisite and few when conceiving of the future
amphibious portion of the fleet.
We must also explore new options, such as inter-theater connectors and commercially We must also explore new options, such as inter-theater connectors and commercially
available ships and craft that are smaller and less expensive, thereby increasing the available ships and craft that are smaller and less expensive, thereby increasing the
affordability and allowing acquisition at a greater quantity. We recognize that we must affordability and allowing acquisition at a greater quantity. We recognize that we must
distribute our forces ashore given the growth of adversary precision strike capabilities, so distribute our forces ashore given the growth of adversary precision strike capabilities, so
it would be illogical to continue to concentrate our forces on a few large ships. The it would be illogical to continue to concentrate our forces on a few large ships. The
adversary will quickly recognize that striking while concentrated (aboard ship) is the adversary will quickly recognize that striking while concentrated (aboard ship) is the
preferred option. We need to change this calculus with a new fleet design of smaller, more preferred option. We need to change this calculus with a new fleet design of smaller, more
lethal, and more risk-worthy platforms. We must be fully integrated with the Navy to lethal, and more risk-worthy platforms. We must be fully integrated with the Navy to
develop a vision and a new fleet architecture that can be successful against our peer develop a vision and a new fleet architecture that can be successful against our peer
adversaries while also maintaining affordability. To achieveadversaries while also maintaining affordability. To achieve this difficult task, the Navy this difficult task, the Navy
and Marine Corps must ensure larger surface combatants possess mission agility across sea and Marine Corps must ensure larger surface combatants possess mission agility across sea
control, littoral, and amphibious operations, while we concurrently expand the quantity of control, littoral, and amphibious operations, while we concurrently expand the quantity of
more specialized manned and unmanned platforms…. more specialized manned and unmanned platforms….
We will no longer use a “2.0 MEB requirement” as the foundation for our arguments
regarding amphibious ship building, to determine the requisite capacity of vehicles
or other capabilities, or as pertains to the Maritime Prepositioning Force. We will no
longer reference the 38-ship requirement memo from 2009, or the 2016 Force
Structure Assessment, as the basis for our arguments and force structure
justifications. The ongoing 2019 Force Structure Assessment will inform the amphibious The ongoing 2019 Force Structure Assessment will inform the amphibious
requirements based upon this guidance. The global options for amphibs [types of requirements based upon this guidance. The global options for amphibs [types of
amphibious ships] include many more options than simply LHAs, LPDs, and LSDs. I will amphibious ships] include many more options than simply LHAs, LPDs, and LSDs. I will
work closely with the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) to work closely with the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) to
ensure there are adequate numbers of the right types of ships, with the right capabilities, to ensure there are adequate numbers of the right types of ships, with the right capabilities, to
meet national requirements. meet national requirements.
I do not believe joint forcible entry operations (JFEO) are irrelevant or an operational I do not believe joint forcible entry operations (JFEO) are irrelevant or an operational
anachronism; however, we must acknowledge that different approaches are required given anachronism; however, we must acknowledge that different approaches are required given
the proliferation of anti-access/area denial (A2AD) threat capabilities in mutually contested the proliferation of anti-access/area denial (A2AD) threat capabilities in mutually contested
spaces. Visions of a massed naval armada nine nautical miles off-shore in the South China spaces. Visions of a massed naval armada nine nautical miles off-shore in the South China
Sea preparing to launch the landing force in swarms of ACVs [amphibious combat Sea preparing to launch the landing force in swarms of ACVs [amphibious combat
vehicles], LCUs [utility landing craft], and LCACs [air-cushioned landing craft] are vehicles], LCUs [utility landing craft], and LCACs [air-cushioned landing craft] are
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
26 26

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

impractical and unreasonable. We must accept the realities created by the proliferation of impractical and unreasonable. We must accept the realities created by the proliferation of
precision long-range fires, mines, and other smart-weapons, and seek innovative ways to precision long-range fires, mines, and other smart-weapons, and seek innovative ways to
overcome those threat capabilities. I encourage experimentation with lethal long-range overcome those threat capabilities. I encourage experimentation with lethal long-range
unmanned systems capable of traveling 200 nautical miles, penetrating into the adversary unmanned systems capable of traveling 200 nautical miles, penetrating into the adversary
enemy threat ring, and crossing the shoreline—causing the adversary to allocate resources enemy threat ring, and crossing the shoreline—causing the adversary to allocate resources
to eliminate the threat, create dilemmas, and further create opportunities for fleet maneuver. to eliminate the threat, create dilemmas, and further create opportunities for fleet maneuver.
We cannot wait to identify solutions to our mine countermeasure needs, and must make We cannot wait to identify solutions to our mine countermeasure needs, and must make
this a priority for our future force development efforts…. this a priority for our future force development efforts….
Over the coming months, we will release a new concept in support of the Navy’s Over the coming months, we will release a new concept in support of the Navy’s
Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) Concept and the NDS called – Stand-in Forces. Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) Concept and the NDS called – Stand-in Forces.
The Stand-in Forces concept is designed to restore the strategic initiative to naval forces The Stand-in Forces concept is designed to restore the strategic initiative to naval forces
and empower our allies and partners to successfully confront regional hegemons that and empower our allies and partners to successfully confront regional hegemons that
infringe on their territorial boundaries and interests. infringe on their territorial boundaries and interests. Stand-in Forces are designed to
generate technically disruptive, tactical stand-in engagements that confront aggressor
naval forces with an array of low signature, affordable, and risk-worthy platforms
and payloads. Stand-in forces take advantage of the relative strength of the contemporary Stand-in forces take advantage of the relative strength of the contemporary
defense and rapidly-emerging new technologies to create an integrated maritime defense defense and rapidly-emerging new technologies to create an integrated maritime defense
that is optimized to operate in close and confined seas in defiance of adversary long-range that is optimized to operate in close and confined seas in defiance of adversary long-range
precision “stand-off capabilities.” precision “stand-off capabilities.”
Creating new capabilities that intentionally initiate stand-in engagements is a disruptive Creating new capabilities that intentionally initiate stand-in engagements is a disruptive
“button“button hook” in force development that runs counter to the action that our adversaries hook” in force development that runs counter to the action that our adversaries
anticipate. Rather than heavily investing in expensive and exquisite capabilities that anticipate. Rather than heavily investing in expensive and exquisite capabilities that
regional aggressors have optimized their forces to target, naval forces will persist forward regional aggressors have optimized their forces to target, naval forces will persist forward
with many smaller, low signature, affordable platforms that can economically host a dense with many smaller, low signature, affordable platforms that can economically host a dense
array of lethal and nonlethal payloads. array of lethal and nonlethal payloads.
By exploiting the technical revolution in autonomy, advanced manufacturing, and artificial By exploiting the technical revolution in autonomy, advanced manufacturing, and artificial
intelligence, the naval forces can create many new risk-worthy unmanned and minimally-intelligence, the naval forces can create many new risk-worthy unmanned and minimally-
manned platforms that can be employed in stand-in engagements to create tactical manned platforms that can be employed in stand-in engagements to create tactical
dilemmas that adversaries will confront when attacking our allies and forces forward.53 dilemmas that adversaries will confront when attacking our allies and forces forward.53
EABO
Regarding EABO, the Regarding EABO, the Commandant’s Planning Guidance states the following (emphasis as in the states the following (emphasis as in the
original): original):
The 2016 The 2016 Marine Corps Operating Concept (MOC) predates the current set of national (MOC) predates the current set of national
strategy and guidance documents, but it was prescient in many ways. It directed partnering strategy and guidance documents, but it was prescient in many ways. It directed partnering
with the Navy to develop two concepts, Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment with the Navy to develop two concepts, Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment
(LOCE) and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) that nest exceptionally (LOCE) and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) that nest exceptionally
well with the current strategic guidance. It is time to move beyond the MOC itself, well with the current strategic guidance. It is time to move beyond the MOC itself,
however, and partner with the Navy to complement LOCE and EABO with classified, however, and partner with the Navy to complement LOCE and EABO with classified,
threat-specific operating concepts that describe how naval forces will conduct the range of threat-specific operating concepts that describe how naval forces will conduct the range of
missions articulated in our strategic guidance…. missions articulated in our strategic guidance….
EABO complement the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations Concept and will
inform how we approach missions against peer adversaries…. ….
EABO are driven by the aforementioned adversary deployment of long-range precision EABO are driven by the aforementioned adversary deployment of long-range precision
fires designed to support a strategy of “counter-intervention” directed against U.S. and fires designed to support a strategy of “counter-intervention” directed against U.S. and
coalition forces. EABO, as an operational concept, enables the naval force to persist coalition forces. EABO, as an operational concept, enables the naval force to persist
forward within the arc of adversary long-range precision fires to support our treaty partners forward within the arc of adversary long-range precision fires to support our treaty partners

53 U.S. Marine Corps, 53 U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant’s Planning Guidance, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, undated, released , undated, released
July 2019, pp. 4-5, 10. July 2019, pp. 4-5, 10.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
27 27

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

with combat credible forces on a much more resilient and difficult to target forward basing with combat credible forces on a much more resilient and difficult to target forward basing
infrastructure. EABO are designed to restore force resiliency and enable the persistent infrastructure. EABO are designed to restore force resiliency and enable the persistent
naval forward presence that has long been the hallmark of naval forces. Most significantly, naval forward presence that has long been the hallmark of naval forces. Most significantly,
EABO reverse the cost imposition that determined adversaries seek to impose on the joint EABO reverse the cost imposition that determined adversaries seek to impose on the joint
force. EABO guide an apt and appropriate adjustment in future naval force development force. EABO guide an apt and appropriate adjustment in future naval force development
to obviate the significant investment our adversaries have made in long-range precision to obviate the significant investment our adversaries have made in long-range precision
fires. Potential adversaries intend to target our forward fixed and vulnerable bases, as well fires. Potential adversaries intend to target our forward fixed and vulnerable bases, as well
as deep water ports, long runways, large signature platforms, and ships. By developing a as deep water ports, long runways, large signature platforms, and ships. By developing a
new expeditionary naval force structure that is not dependent on concentrated, vulnerable, new expeditionary naval force structure that is not dependent on concentrated, vulnerable,
and expensive forward infrastructure and platforms, we will frustrate enemy efforts to and expensive forward infrastructure and platforms, we will frustrate enemy efforts to
separate U.S. Forces from our allies and interests. EABO enable naval forces to partner separate U.S. Forces from our allies and interests. EABO enable naval forces to partner
and persist forward to control and deny contested areas where legacy naval forces cannot and persist forward to control and deny contested areas where legacy naval forces cannot
be prudently employed without accepting disproportionate risk…. be prudently employed without accepting disproportionate risk….
In February of 2019, the Commandant and Chief of Naval Operations co-signed the In February of 2019, the Commandant and Chief of Naval Operations co-signed the
concept for EABO. The ideas contained in this document are foundational to our future concept for EABO. The ideas contained in this document are foundational to our future
force development efforts and are applicable in multiple scenarios.54 force development efforts and are applicable in multiple scenarios.54
A February 2021 Marine Corps tentative manual on EABO defines EABO as follows: A February 2021 Marine Corps tentative manual on EABO defines EABO as follows:
EABO are a form of expeditionary warfare that involves the employment of mobile, low- EABO are a form of expeditionary warfare that involves the employment of mobile, low-
signature, persistent, and relatively easy to maintain and sustain naval expeditionary forces signature, persistent, and relatively easy to maintain and sustain naval expeditionary forces
from a series of austere, temporary locations ashore or inshore within a contested or from a series of austere, temporary locations ashore or inshore within a contested or
potentially contested maritime area in order to conduct sea denial, support sea control, or potentially contested maritime area in order to conduct sea denial, support sea control, or
enable fleet sustainment. enable fleet sustainment.
EABO support the projection of naval power by integrating with and supporting the larger EABO support the projection of naval power by integrating with and supporting the larger
naval campaign. Expeditionary operations imply austere conditions, forward deployment, naval campaign. Expeditionary operations imply austere conditions, forward deployment,
and projection of power. EABO are distinct from other expeditionary operations in that and projection of power. EABO are distinct from other expeditionary operations in that
forces conducting them combine various forms of operations to persist within the reach of forces conducting them combine various forms of operations to persist within the reach of
adversary lethal and nonlethal effects. It is critical that the composition, distribution, and adversary lethal and nonlethal effects. It is critical that the composition, distribution, and
disposition of forces executing EABO limit the adversary’s ability to target them, engage disposition of forces executing EABO limit the adversary’s ability to target them, engage
them with fires and other effects, and otherwise influence their activities. them with fires and other effects, and otherwise influence their activities.
Missions of EABO include Missions of EABO include
 
Support sea control operations; Support sea control operations;
 
Conduct sea denial operations within the littorals; Conduct sea denial operations within the littorals;
 
Contribute to maritime domain awareness; Contribute to maritime domain awareness;
 
Provide forward command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, Provide forward command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence,
surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting (C5ISRT), and counter-C5ISRT capability; surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting (C5ISRT), and counter-C5ISRT capability;
 
Provide forward sustainment. Provide forward sustainment.
EABO tasks include EABO tasks include
 
Conduct surveillance and reconnaissance; Conduct surveillance and reconnaissance;
 
Conduct operations in the information environment; Conduct operations in the information environment;
 
Conduct screen/guard/cover; Conduct screen/guard/cover;
 
Deny or control key maritime terrain; Deny or control key maritime terrain;
 
Conduct surface warfare operations; Conduct surface warfare operations;
 
Conduct air and missile defense; Conduct air and missile defense;

54 U.S. Marine Corps, 54 U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant’s Planning Guidance, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, undated, released , undated, released
July 2019, pp. 9, 11, 19. See also Jim Lacey, “The ‘Dumbest Concept Ever’ Just Might Win Wars,” July 2019, pp. 9, 11, 19. See also Jim Lacey, “The ‘Dumbest Concept Ever’ Just Might Win Wars,” War on the Rocks, ,
July 29, 2019; Megan Eckstein, “How to Seize Islands, Set Up a Forward Refueling Point: Marine Corps Recipes for July 29, 2019; Megan Eckstein, “How to Seize Islands, Set Up a Forward Refueling Point: Marine Corps Recipes for
Expeditionary Operations,” Expeditionary Operations,” USNI News, September 13, 2019. , September 13, 2019.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
28 28

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

 
Conduct strike operations; Conduct strike operations;
 
Conduct antisubmarine warfare; Conduct antisubmarine warfare;
 
Conduct sustainment operations; Conduct sustainment operations;
 
Conduct forward arming and refueling point (FARP) operations. Conduct forward arming and refueling point (FARP) operations.
FMF formations may execute these tasks across the competition continuum both above and FMF formations may execute these tasks across the competition continuum both above and
below the threshold of violence. In the former case, they are normally conducted to deny below the threshold of violence. In the former case, they are normally conducted to deny
an adversary access to adjacent battlespace or to support a more comprehensive effort to an adversary access to adjacent battlespace or to support a more comprehensive effort to
establish sea control. In the latter, they are often conducted with the goal of deterring the establish sea control. In the latter, they are often conducted with the goal of deterring the
enemy while preparing for conflict if deterrence fails…. enemy while preparing for conflict if deterrence fails….
EABO provide engagement capabilities throughout the competition continuum. During EABO provide engagement capabilities throughout the competition continuum. During
competition below the threshold of violence, EABO engage allies and partners, preserve competition below the threshold of violence, EABO engage allies and partners, preserve
access, and shape the theater for future operations. EABO also enables stand-in access, and shape the theater for future operations. EABO also enables stand-in
engagement capabilities by the persistent posturing of littoral forces within a potential engagement capabilities by the persistent posturing of littoral forces within a potential
adversary’s weapons engagement zone (WEZ). During armed conflict, the combination of adversary’s weapons engagement zone (WEZ). During armed conflict, the combination of
stand-in and stand-off engagement capabilities… places the adversary on the horns of a stand-in and stand-off engagement capabilities… places the adversary on the horns of a
dilemma: while the adversary seeks to discover and engage friendly stand-off forces, he dilemma: while the adversary seeks to discover and engage friendly stand-off forces, he
exposes himself to the sensing, nonlethal, and lethal capabilities of stand-in forces…. exposes himself to the sensing, nonlethal, and lethal capabilities of stand-in forces….
The assigned mission sets within EABO are conducted within a joint and coalition The assigned mission sets within EABO are conducted within a joint and coalition
framework, as part of not merely an interoperable, but an integrated naval force. Task-framework, as part of not merely an interoperable, but an integrated naval force. Task-
organized Marine and Navy units project naval power through EABO by fusing their organized Marine and Navy units project naval power through EABO by fusing their
landward and seaward roles…. landward and seaward roles….
A stand-in force executing EABO is strategically cost-effective by virtue of its ability to A stand-in force executing EABO is strategically cost-effective by virtue of its ability to
undermine a potential adversary’s cost-imposition strategy. Potential adversaries are undermine a potential adversary’s cost-imposition strategy. Potential adversaries are
investing in large numbers of comparatively inexpensive systems of adequate lethality, investing in large numbers of comparatively inexpensive systems of adequate lethality,
extended range, and greater precision to hold at risk the US military’s expensive, extended range, and greater precision to hold at risk the US military’s expensive,
sophisticated, and relatively few multimission platforms. Forces executing EABO are sophisticated, and relatively few multimission platforms. Forces executing EABO are
small, numerous, dispersed, and relatively inexpensive and difficult to target, thus inverting small, numerous, dispersed, and relatively inexpensive and difficult to target, thus inverting
an adversary’s cost-benefit calculation when deciding whether to engage and upsetting the an adversary’s cost-benefit calculation when deciding whether to engage and upsetting the
cost-imposition strategy.55 cost-imposition strategy.55

Author Information

Ronald O'Rourke Ronald O'Rourke

Specialist in Naval Affairs Specialist in Naval Affairs

55 Department of the Navy, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, 55 Department of the Navy, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Tentative Manual for Expeditionary Advanced Base
Operations, February 2021, pp. 1-3 to 1-5. See also Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps, , February 2021, pp. 1-3 to 1-5. See also Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps, A Concept
for Stand-in Forces, December 2021, 23 pp. , December 2021, 23 pp.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
29 29

Navy Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) Program: Background and Issues for Congress

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to
copy or otherwise use copyrighted material. copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
R46374 R46374 · VERSION 3940 · UPDATED
30 30