We need a modernized LST, not the pathetic LSM.

General characteristics As built
Type	Tank landing ship
Displacement	4,793 long tons (4,870 t) light 8,342 long tons (8,476 t) full load
Length	522 ft 4 in (159.2 m) oa 562 ft (171.3 m) over derrick arms
Beam	69 ft 6 in (21.2 m)
Draft	17 ft 6 in (5.3 m) max
Propulsion	2 shafts 6 ALCO or GM diesel engines (3 per shaft) 16,500 shp (12,300 kW) Bow thruster
Speed	22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph) max
Range	2,500 nmi (4,600 km; 2,900 mi) at 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph)
Troops	431 troops or 29 tanks and other vehicles
Complement	213
Sensors and processing systems	2 × Mk 63 GCFS SPS-10 radar
Armament	2 × twin 3"/50 caliber guns

Type

Tank landing ship

Displacement

• 4,793 long tons (4,870 t) light
• 8,342 long tons (8,476 t) full load

Length

• 522 ft 4 in (159.2 m) oa
• 562 ft (171.3 m) over derrick arms

Beam

69 ft 6 in (21.2 m)

Draft

17 ft 6 in (5.3 m) max

Propulsion

• 2 shafts
• 6 ALCO or GM diesel engines (3 per shaft)
• 16,500 shp (12,300 kW)
• Bow thruster

Speed

22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph) max

Range

2,500 nmi (4,600 km; 2,900 mi) at 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph)

Troops

431 troops or 29 tanks and other vehicles

Complement

213

Sensors and
processing systems

• 2 × Mk 63 GCFS
• SPS-10 radar

Armament

2 × twin 3"/50 caliber guns

If I hadn't said it before then let me say it now. The USMC needs a modernized LST. Not the Landing Ship Medium but a new LST.

The strange thing?  It fits the specs of the LSM (a bit bigger if I recall correctly) but it has or should have the ability to keep up with the fleet. In that regard I'm talking about the modernized LST.

One of the big sticking points with FD2030 is that its too regionalized.  I fully support that critique and the pathetic performance of the LSM adds to that concern.

A new build and modernized LST would allow global operations as part of a reinvigorated MEU.  Reinvigorated and ENHANCED MEU.

One of the juicy bits is that its capable of putting vehicles directly on the beach.  A big deal because you can fully unload from this beast in less time than it takes an LCAC to make sorties to and from a LPD.  

The biggest juiciest bit?  If the Marine Corps doesn't get tanks back we can put Army armor on these vessels and reclaim some shock to our ground component.

The Landing Ship Medium is idiocy on a stick.  A modernized LST just sings.