Navy Prepares to Sideline Multiple Vessels Over Manpower Shortage

The U.S. Navy faces a critical decision as it grapples with a severe manpower shortage, potentially sidelining 17 vessels to redistribute crews across the fleet.

At a Glance

The Navy plans to sideline 17 vessels due to a manpower shortage, affecting support and logistics ships.
A shortage of experienced Merchant Marines is posing a national security risk.
The “great reset” plan aims to improve the ratio of mariners per billet from 1.27 to 1.5.
The decision awaits approval from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti.

Navy’s Manpower Crisis Forces Tough Decisions

The U.S. Navy is facing a critical shortage of personnel, particularly among its Merchant Marine ranks, forcing it to consider sidelining 17 vessels. This move, part of a “great reset” plan, aims to redistribute crews and address long-standing issues within the Military Sealift Command (MSC).

Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “There’s a lack of experienced merchant mariners to crew the ships, and this is really a clear danger to national security.” This shortage affects the Navy’s ability to operate support vessels crucial for supplying combat ships and transporting troops and equipment.

Navy to sideline 17 vessels due to manpower shortage, operating crews will be redistributed: report https://t.co/nM2z5kNCGl

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 24, 2024

Impact on Naval Operations and National Security

The ships affected by this plan include replenishment ships, fleet oilers, Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transports, and Navy expeditionary sea bases. These vessels play a critical role in supporting carrier groups and conducting outreach missions. The sidelining of these ships could potentially impact the Navy’s ability to respond to multiple fronts of conflict, such as in the Middle East and around Taiwan.

The shortage of experienced mariners is particularly concerning given the current global tensions and the potential need for rapid military response in various regions. The ability to move supplies and troops efficiently is crucial for maintaining America’s naval superiority and readiness.

The “Great Reset” Plan

The Military Sealift Command’s proposed “great reset” plan aims to address years of neglect and mismanagement of its workforce. By putting 17 ships into “extended maintenance” and redistributing crews, the Navy hopes to improve the ratio of mariners per billet from the current unsustainable 1.27 to a more manageable 1.5.

“This is basically the result of many years of neglect and mismanagement of their force,” Sal Mercogliano, former MSC mariner and associate professor of history at Campbell University, told USNI News. “They are just burning through people.”

This plan, if approved by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, would reduce Navy demands for officers by 700 mariners. While this may provide some relief to the overworked crews, it also raises questions about the Navy’s long-term strategy for addressing its manpower issues and maintaining its global presence.

Challenges and Future Concerns

The current situation is compounded by the aging fleet of reserve force ships, with an average age of about 45 years and some vessels over 50 years old. This aging infrastructure poses additional challenges to maintenance and modernization efforts.

As the Navy grapples with these challenges, it must also consider the broader implications for national security and America’s ability to project power globally. The decision to sideline these ships, while potentially necessary in the short term, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the Navy’s manpower and fleet modernization issues.