United States still needs the capability to conduct amphibious operations

United States still needs the capability to conduct amphibious operations

Introduction

Amphibious or combined operations involving two or more armed services have been a feature of naval warfare since ancient times. They include a wide variety of different actions, from commando raids to full-scale invasions, but have important features in common. An amphibious operation often begins with a naval bombardment against enemy-held positions on land. Naval units bring ground troops close to the shore, but often they are conveyed to the landing beach in specialist landing craft.

History and Background

The development of amphibious warfare accelerated beginning in the 16th century with the establishment of standing navies and the adoption of the naval gun. Small-scale amphibious operations were a feature of the Elizabethan period, when English raids against Spanish possessions across the world were commonplace. The Seven Years' War, 1756-63, which saw the development of the first specially designed landing craft, produced several major combined operations, including the capture of Quebec in 1759, when the Royal Navy brought thousands of British troops up the St. Lawrence River.

Amphibious operations played a part in many of the major wars of the 19th century including the Crimean War, 1853-56, and the American Civil War, 1861-65, although techniques had changed very little since the previous century.

Available Amphibious Capability with U.S

An amphibious warfare capability means that move forces overseas, the capability for rapidly transferring such forces from the ships to the shore, which includes the under fire, and the capability to support them once they are ashore. Specialist landing craft were developed with the objective of ensuring that the first wave of troops, tanks and other equipment reached the landing beach quickly. To ensure that reinforcements and supplies were landed, artificial harbors and portable pipelines were developed.

If the U.S. needs a significant amphibious warfare capability it will also need to invest more in enablers. This means continuing the LPD-17 program, finishing acquisition of the V-22, replacing the Landing Craft Air Cushion, upgrading the AAV and figuring out how to provide enhanced naval fire support for Marine units deploying across defended beaches. It also means developing a new Marine Corps armored vehicle strategy.

The significant reasons for maintaining an amphibious warfare capability in today's century is it make the country stronger to protect form threats. Moreover, there is need for modernizing Pentagon's capabilities. Thus, if EFV is cancelled by ...