Marine Corps Commandant to fight for amphibious ships...

via Military Times.

The Navy's 2020 budget has more ship-building funds than the service has seen in decades, but it also cuts money for the vessels that bring Marines to the fight.

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller said Wednesday that he'll talk to members of Congress about the lack of funding for the warships and the effect that could have on national security.

The National Defense Strategy makes it clear that Marines and sailors must be prepared to compete with China in the Asia-Pacific region, he said.

"It's a maritime theater and ... we have a Marine Corps that comes from the sea," Neller said. "But we can't come from the sea if I don't have a way to get underway."

The Navy budget scraps plans for a multiyear contract on the new LPD Flight II amphibious transport dock ships, set to replace the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships. Instead, the budget includes plans for one ship buy in 2021 and another in 2023.
----------------------
"I've always prided myself on being a member of the Joint Chiefs, but I'm also the commandant," Neller said. "... I've got to be able to make the case to move [up the timeline] or increase the number of amphibs -- that it's a better value for your dollar than buying something else."

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson told reporters this week the Navy will get to 36 amphibious ships, which is "pretty close to the requirement of 38."

Story here. 

This is interesting.  Especially the rebuttal by the CNO.  The Navy plan might not be perfect but they're actually online to deliver what the USMC is asking for...or rather getting mighty close.

All things considered this is a tempest in a tea pot.

Budget reality is budget reality.

Buys will have to be spaced.  Navy priorities mostly align with Marine Corps priorities so all is good.

Ya know what really has me slightly concerned but it's getting no air time? The Navy is about to get rid of medical personnel.  That is weird and that is concerning because we rely on the Navy for that to a bigger degree than anyone realizes.