A recent government oversight report highlighted significant issues with the US Army's watercraft, impacting its ability to meet mission requirements in the Indo-Pacific theater. The report revealed that the Army's boats are currently operating at less than a 40% mission capable rate, well below the required 90%. The fleet has decreased by almost half since 2018, with only 70 vessels remaining as of May this year.
These low mission capable rates have hindered operational readiness and the Army's capacity to meet mission requirements. The report also mentioned that usually, fewer than half of the vessels in the fleet are available at any given time, further limiting their effectiveness.
The Army's watercraft came under scrutiny during a recent temporary pier mission in Gaza, where the vessels were found to be poorly resourced and maintained. Following the mission, civilian contractor support was requested to transport the vessels back to the US due to cost-effectiveness and safety concerns.
The Army is actively working to address gaps in watercraft capability and is considering modernizing the fleet to meet future needs. Plans include potentially replacing the existing fleet with autonomous vessels, aligning with trends in other industries.
The GAO report highlighted maintenance challenges, including aging vessels, supply shortages, and obsolete parts. Examples of delays and safety concerns were cited, emphasizing the need for urgent improvements in maintenance practices.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth acknowledged the need for a holistic approach to enhance watercraft capability and capacity. Efforts are underway to collaborate with relevant commands to improve mission readiness, particularly in the Pacific region.
The Army is exploring options such as leasing civilian watercraft to supplement its fleet and relocating all watercraft to the Pacific. A governing board was established to oversee watercraft operations, although it has yet to fully assume its responsibilities.
Overall, the Army recognizes the critical role of watercraft in its operations and is actively seeking ways to modernize transportation methods for personnel, weapons, and equipment. The future may see a shift towards autonomous fleets, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
