The U.S. Navy may have to sideline 17 support ships due to a severe shortage of civilian mariners, putting its logistics capabilities at risk. The Military Sealift Command (MSC) has proposed a plan that would see these ships enter extended maintenance, allowing their crews to be reassigned to other vessels in the fleet. The affected ships are critical to the Navy’s global operations, providing refueling, resupply, and transport services.
The vessels at risk include two Lewis and Clark-class replenishment ships, 12 Spearhead-class fast transports, and two forward-deployed sea bases, such as the USS Lewis Puller and the USS Herschel “Woody” Williams. These ships are vital to sustaining operations in regions like the Middle East and Europe, but the Navy’s ability to keep them running is being undermined by a manpower crisis.
The shortage of mariners is the result of years of management challenges and retention issues, which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mariners faced extended deployments with no shore leave, leading many to quit the service. Now, MSC is struggling to recruit new personnel at a pace that matches the demand, leaving the Navy with no choice but to consider drastic measures.
If these ships are idled, the impact on the Navy’s global posture could be significant. The loss of these support vessels would reduce the Navy’s ability to operate efficiently across multiple theaters, weakening its strategic reach. The Navy must now grapple with finding a solution that balances immediate operational needs with long-term workforce challenges.
