The United States Navy is reportedly contemplating significant measures to address a critical manpower deficit, as per a report by USNI News.
The Military Sealift Command (MSC), a crucial component of the Navy, is grappling with operational hurdles due to a dearth of competent civilian mariners. This predicament has led to a strategic plan to temporarily decommission 17 Navy support ships, a move described as a "force generation reset."
According to the Daily Caller, the plan involves placing two Lewis and Clark-class replenishment ships, one fleet oiler, twelve Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPF), and two expeditionary sea bases into extended maintenance. The crews of these vessels would then be reassigned to other ships. The USS Lewis Puller (ESB-3) and USS Herschel Woody Williams (ESB-4), two forward-deployed expeditionary sea bases, are among the ships identified for this plan. These vessels have played a critical role in regional naval operations, including counter-smuggling and special operations. The COVID-19 pandemic and the stringent onboard restrictions that followed have further complicated the reassignment of their crews.
The proposed plan is a response to a staffing shortfall that could potentially decrease the MSCs demand for mariners by up to 700 billets. The plan, which is currently awaiting approval from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, is designed to address the MSC's current mariner-to-billet ratio of about 1.27, a figure that falls short of industry standards.
The MSC is reportedly contemplating reassigning crews from all 17 ships to strengthen the larger MSC workforce, potentially adding 600 to 700 sailors. This move is aimed at adjusting staffing ratios to about 1.5 mariners per billet, improving shore leave for MSC mariners, and meeting crewing needs for the new John Lewis-class fleet oilers. Three of these oilers have been delivered but remain undeployed due to staffing shortages.
The decision to reassign crews comes in the wake of significant retention challenges within the MSC. Stringent COVID-19 protocols and harsh onboard conditions have led to high turnover rates among mariners. Personal sacrifices, including impacts on family life, have prompted some mariners to resign.
Sal Mercogliano, a former MSC mariner and history professor, voiced criticism of the force's long-term management. This is basically the result of many years of neglect and mismanagement of their force, Mercogliano told USNI News. They are just burning through people.
The Navy's decision will have significant implications for the MSC and its operations, underscoring the importance of effective manpower management in maintaining the nation's naval capabilities.
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