Marines Article Index : Current 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
 Latest
 News 		  Most
 Read 		  Most
 Commented		  Hot
 Topics

September 21, 2000

The Marines continue to push for enough amphibious ships to carry three full brigades, but will have to settle for about two and a half. Each amphibious readiness group includes various ships; by the end of the current round of shipbuilding in 2008 these will include one amphibious carrier (there will be five LHAs and seven LHDs), one amphibious transport (an LPD or Landing Platform Dock), and an LSD (or Landing Ship Dock). Each group of three ships will be able to carry (more or less) a battalion of troops. The problem is that it takes five groups (15 ships) to carry a brigade, and there will be only 12 groups (36 ships), enough for two complete brigades and two separate battalions.--Stephen V Cole