Afloat Forward Staging Bases. A quick solution to the "lack of amphibs" problem?

via Stars and Stripes.

Experiments with the supply ships will continue for several more years, Strock said, as the Marines explore the possibilities. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford has already called for planning on how task forces in Spain and Australia could employ the ships.
Questions remain, including how Marines will work alongside civilian mariners, who are part of the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The ships also don’t solve the problem of amphibious assault, some naval analysts say, even if they help ease the burden on the current fleet.
“I think the Marines are very happy with the direction the (mobile-landing platform) is going,” said Bryan McGrath, a naval consultant with the FerryBridge Group. “And I think they would tell you, and with iron-clad justification, that they are not amphibs.”

The Mobile Landing Platform.  A great solution for the Marine Corps of the past (I think) but one we need to question going into the future.  The ability to serve as a sea base enabler is an essential capability but if the force is moving toward Company Landing Teams, Independent Ship Deployments, and seeking to get SPMAGTF-CRs aboard ship then they're not the answer we're looking for.

Which brings me to a modest proposal.

Change it up a bit and make all the projected MLP's into AFSB's instead!  I've never inquired but if AFSB's can maintain the ability to "semi submerge" and if you added fast landing craft like the Watercat M12 to those LCAC spaces, slightly increased the aviation facilities then you'd be looking at ready made mini-amphibs that could get the SPMAGTF-CR's feet wet, give them the ability to conduct surface raids AND function as vanguards in low threat areas.

The pieces are in place.

Sidenote:  The original concept for the AFSB had enclosed hangar spaces below deck AND increased space for vehicles and berthing.  Shouldn't we consider reverting back to the original plans?