There have been numerous threads here about the need to replenish stockpile of missiles and munitions, to increase drone capabilities, strengthen to supply chains, and other similar articles.
In reading articles during the Gaza floating pier episode (April 2024) I was discouraged to read about the lack of maintenance and downsizing of capabilities.
Some excerpts from 2024:
The ACB1 (Amphibious Construction Battalion, also known as SeaBees) out of San Diego is sending ships and sailors. It is a long way from the Pacific to the eastern Med, but it seems ACB2 based in Virginia was decommissioned in March.
USNS Bobo had to turn back after an engine fire… USNS Button was on sea trail after a shipyard period in Mobile and suffered a fire that resulted in flooding the engine room with CO2.
A retired Army chief warrant officer who has significant experience in the Army’s watercraft community also told Military.com in an interview Wednesday that “if those boats don’t have multiple major mechanical failures – I mean ‘dead in the water’ mechanical failures – I will be shocked. They’re horrendously maintained. I’ve got videos of these things falling apart,” the retired officer added.
DB2