The US Army’s fleet of boats, which played a pivotal role in recent missions, faces critical maintenance and readiness issues, a new report reveals.
A recent Government Accountability Office report highlights that the Army’s watercraft are underprepared for the growing operational demands in the Pacific, with less than 40% currently mission capable.
Current State of the Fleet
The US Army’s current watercraft fleet has significantly diminished since 2018, declining from 134 vessels to just 70 as of May this year. This reduction is partly due to divestment efforts in 2018 and 2019. Despite policies requiring at least a 90% mission capable rate, only fewer than 40% of the vessels are currently operational.
Army officials have acknowledged that the reduced fleet size and low mission capable rates severely impact operational readiness. As a result, fewer than half of the Army’s watercraft are available at any given time, hindering mission success in the Indo-Pacific region.
Temporary Pier Mission in Gaza
During the temporary pier mission aimed at assisting humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, the Army’s boats were found to be lacking in resources and maintenance. This mission, known as Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS), revealed inadequacies in the fleet’s readiness and availability.
The mission incurred a cost of $230 million and was operational for only 20 days. Post-mission, the military opted for civilian contractor assistance to safely return its vessels to the United States, highlighting the logistical challenges posed by the fleet’s current state.
Maintenance and Upgrade Challenges
The fleet’s maintenance issues are compounded by aging vessels and parts shortages.
A notable instance cited in the report involves a Landing Craft Utility vessel that has been under repair since 2018. Originally set for completion by January 2021, the repair timeline was drastically extended by unforeseen hull repairs and scope expansions, costing over $1.2 million above initial estimates.
Additionally, LCUs have faced long-standing safety concerns since 2010, specifically regarding essential bow ramp components. The failure to address these issues in a timely manner has already led to a critical incident at sea.
Strategic Considerations for Future Readiness
The Army is actively exploring solutions to address capability gaps, planning both fleet enhancements and the potential integration of autonomous vessels by 2040. This strategic pivot considers modern advancements visible in the oil and shipping industries and could revolutionise how the Army mobilises troops and equipment globally.
Col. Dave Butler indicated ongoing discussions with Congress about leasing civilian watercraft to supplement the existing fleet, with an aim to relocate all watercraft to the Pacific, emphasising the region’s strategic significance.
Holistic Approach to Capability Enhancement
According to Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, efforts are being made to comprehensively improve the watercraft’s capability. Army Futures Command is collaborating with relevant military branches to ensure mission readiness in the Pacific theatre.
A newly established governing board aims to oversee these efforts, although as of May, it has not yet fully commenced its roles in managing stakeholder communication and oversight frequencies.
Potential Leasing of Civilian Vessels
The Army is seriously considering the option of leasing civilian vessels to bolster its operational capacity. Recent discussions with Congress and representative visits to Hawaii underline the practical advantages of such an approach.
By leasing civilian watercraft, the Army could enhance fleet capabilities, ensuring efficient mobilisation of ground forces crucial for wartime operations.
Future Direction and Modernisation
Looking ahead, the future of the Army’s watercraft fleet may lean towards full autonomy. Leaders at all levels are evaluating the best strategies for modernisation to improve transportation of personnel and equipment efficiently.
This initiative is part of the Army’s broader effort to align with technological trends and enhance the effectiveness of military logistics operations.
The readiness and capability challenges facing the US Army’s watercraft fleet have been starkly outlined in recent reports. Addressing these issues through strategic planning and modernisation is critical for maintaining operational efficiency, particularly in key regions such as the Indo-Pacific.
