US amphibious ships to re-instate well dock

The US Navy’s America class amphibious assault ships will be redesigned with a stern well dock, according to Navy officials. From the third America class ship onwards, the Navy plans to return to a well dock to support landing craft. The first two will be without landing craft docks to make space for more aircraft.

Speaking to the House Armed Services subcommittee for Seapower and Expeditionary Forces earlier this month, Sean J Stackley, the Assistance Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition said that the third America-class and subsequent vessels would have stern well docks, while the first two vessels would focus on air power.

U.S. Marine Corps Begins EFV Replacement Process – Updated

Update – Clarified to correct that the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) is the EFV replacement vice the MPC. The MPC is to be used on land to move infantry around.

In its 2012 budget request the Obama Administration continued its plan to overhaul defense acquisition by proposing the cancellation of the new amphibious assault vehicle for the U.S.M.C. The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) program led by General Dynamics (GD) was over budget and behind schedule.