WE NEED MORE AMPHIBS!

Galrahn at Information Dissemination makes a case for more Amphibs.  Its a must read and I hope you do but here's the juicy bits...

While ARG deployments in the Pacific are old hat for the Navy and Marine Corps, it is becoming increasingly rare to see an ARG deployed from either coast to spend any significant amount of time anywhere other than operating under CENTCOM command in the 5th fleet. I have heard many suggestions that the Makin Island ARG has been working overtime during deployment preparations training for activities specific to activities one might find around Somalia and Yemen - like piracy. If I was a pirate warlord, my advice is to take the best deal you can for ransom as soon as possible, and start looking for a new job with less associated risk.

Ok, that makes sense.  Remember all the pics that I've been posting of Marines training to board, visit and inspect ships at sea?  Now It all comes together.  I think he's spot on with the 11th MEU about to get busy against pirates.  But check out this part...

If you recall, as a response to unfolding events in Libya, the Bataan ARG deployed a few weeks early on March 23, 2011 - 207 days ago (nearly 8 months ago). Lets just say she isn't coming home for Christmas, and if she isn't home by Valentines Day (a legitimate possibility) - the ships will break all records for deployment length since World War II.

Tipping Point much?

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  Amphibs are the most important, viable and needed ships in the Navy.  And according to Galrahn, we need more!