3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division @ Range 400

They still deny it but nothing else makes sense. The MLR will be the template for the entire Marine Corps. It isn't gonna just be how the Marines operate in the Pacific but will go worldwide. Additionally the idea of tying at the hip of the Navy for every action will be the utter DEATH KNELL of the Marine Corps! The Navy just ain't into making this concept work, the budget reflects that and only Marine leadership is pushing this stone up hill. 

The naval battle is primarily a NAVY affair. Air power will help but if it ain't shooting and survivable then the Navy ain't interested. 

 Besides they've been burned too many times before in the recent years. 

 The LCS was pushed on them by the former SecDef. The DDG1000 was pushed by the USMC for more naval guns. The MLP was pushed for sea basing. The high speed transport was pushed as a means of rapid transit for Marines around Japan. 

 The Navy has done its bit for the Marine Corps and I think they're tired of the Marine Corps' shit!