The U.S. Navy is reportedly considering drastic measures to address personnel shortages, according to USNI News.
The Naval Sealift Command (MSC) is facing operational challenges due to a shortage of qualified civilian sailors, which has led to a strategic plan to withdraw 17 Navy support ships, USNI News reports. ReportedThe decision, called a “force generation reset,” is intended to ease staffing strains by placing two Lewis and Clark class supply ships, one fleet tanker, 12 Spearhead class expeditionary fast transports (EPFs), and two expeditionary sea bases for long-term maintenance and redeploying their crews to other ships.
Navy may ground 17 support ships due to manning shortages – USNI Newshttps://t.co/Ag2ilglmkm pic.twitter.com/tcQQBNxJdR
— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) August 23, 2024
The two forward-deployed expeditionary sea bases identified in the plan are USS Lewis Puller (ESB-3) and USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4). These ships have played vital roles in regional naval operations, including counter-smuggling and special operations. According to USNI News, the crew redeployment has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting strict onboard restrictions.
The move is necessitated by a manpower shortage that could reduce MSC's need for up to 700 sailors. The proposed plan awaits approval from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti. Currently, MSC operates with a crew-to-seafarer ratio of about 1.27, which is lower than the industry standard, the media reported. (Related: Report: All major Navy shipbuilding programs suffer major delays)
The USNS Carson City Expeditionary Fast Transport, a U.S. Navy Sealift Command aluminum catamaran, is pictured in the port of Barcelona. (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
MSC is reportedly considering redeploying all 17 of its ships to augment MSC's manning, potentially adding 600 to 700 sailors. The move is intended to adjust crewing ratios to about 1.5 crew members per night, provide more shore leave for MSC sailors, and address crew needs for the new John Lewis-class fleet oilers. USNI News reported that three of the ships have been delivered but are not yet deployed due to staffing shortages.
The decision comes as strict COVID-19 measures and the challenging conditions on board have exacerbated serious talent challenges within MSC, resulting in high crew turnover. These issues, combined with the personal toll seafarers face, including the impact on their family lives, have led some to resign.
Former MSC sailor and history professor Sal Mercogliano criticized the unit's long-term management. “This is basically the result of years of neglect and mismanagement of the unit,” Mercogliano told USNI News. “They're just wasting their manpower.”
The Daily Caller has reached out to the U.S. Navy for comment but has not yet heard back.
