Marine Corps officials for some time have grumbled about the Navy not buying enough amphibious transport ships. These vessels are essential for Marine deployments, officials contend.
Marines argue that they need more amphibious ships to respond to crises around the world and for humanitarian operations. Other ships in the Navy’s budget, such as attack submarines, are less urgently needed because they only are useful in major wars against naval powers.
“We need to think how we spend our money,” said Lt. Gen. James F. Amos, deputy Marine commandant for combat development and integration. Maybe the Navy ought to consider buying fewer submarines, he suggested. “You can probably contain the Chinese fleet and wreak havoc with just five or six attack subs.”