Boeing YC-14 STOL airlifter presentation (1976)...

When you think about Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations what sticks out?  In my mind it's the logistics train.  Pushing Marines out to these various locations is the easy part.  Keeping them supplied is gonna be hard.  Additionally the F-35B (assuming it can be made to work right) drinks gas like a Sailor on shore leave drinks beer.  Its gonna need alot!

Even the mighty CH-53K will fall short in properly supplying it, the MV-22 is a bit short on carriage (with regard to this platform) and speed will be essential.

I said all that to say this.  A STOVL transport that can get in and out of these tiny airstrips is probably something that we need to circle back to and have another look at.

The YC-14 from long ago fits that bill.