The nominee to be the next commandant of the Marine Corps reiterated the service’s minimum requirement of 31 amphibious ships to meet the service’s missions.  On Tuesday, Assistant Commandant Gen. Eric Smith told the Senate Armed Service Committee that total “is the minimum.”  “We are and must respond [as] America’s crisis response force,” Smith said. The ships “are an absolutely vital part” for the Marines to operate in a contested environment with the joint force. In an answer to other questions on the value of amphibious ships in a crisis, Smith said they were not available to assist in evacuating … Continue reading CMC Nominee Smith Renews Calls for 31 Amphibs, Senate Wants SECNAV to Revise Shipbuilding Plan