This policy change aims to improve readiness and operational stability across the fleet
Category: Politics
In a notable shift from established naval tradition, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle has mandated that only surface warfare officers will command the U.S. Navy's amphibious warships, effective Fiscal Year 2028. This decision, outlined in a directive issued on April 24, 2026, responds to long-standing issues of poor readiness and operational availability among the Navy's amphibious fleet.
Currently, the Navy operates 32 amphibious warfare ships, including nine large-deck amphibious assault ships, which are integral for transporting Marines and their equipment into combat zones. The readiness rates for these vessels have been concerning, with only 45 percent deemed "combat surge ready," compared to 63 percent for surface ships and 65 percent for submarines, according to Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby.
Adm. Caudle's directive emphasizes the need for commanding officers to possess deep technical expertise in ship systems and maintenance. He stated in his memo, “Inherent in these improvements is the need for [commanding officers] to have exquisite knowledge of readiness, maintenance procedures, component design and failure modes, damage control, and operational procedures, and to be masters of their ships.” This expertise is deemed necessary for effective leadership and operational improvement.
The new policy will remove aviators from leadership roles on amphibious assault ships, transport docks, and dock landing ships, which comprise the entire inventory of 31 amphibious warships. This change is expected to improve command stability, as surface warfare officers typically have a more extensive career path that allows them to gain relevant experience with amphibious operations.
Historically, naval aviators have commanded these vessels to qualify for future commands of aircraft carriers, a practice that has now been re-evaluated in light of operational challenges. The directive aims to address the unique demands of amphibious operations, which require specialized knowledge and a commitment to long-term leadership. Caudle noted that effective changes can only be implemented when commanding officers are in their roles for at least two years, allowing them to establish stability and oversight.
Retired Navy Capt. Bradley Martin, who has extensive experience with amphibious vessels, explained that surface warfare officers are more adept at managing the technical aspects of these ships. “There’s more places in their career where they can serve on amphibs and gain expertise than there would be for aviators,” he stated. Martin's background as a chief engineer on an amphibious ship provided him with insights into the maintenance and operational needs of these vessels that aviators typically do not receive.
The Navy's decision reflects a broader strategy to improve the operational effectiveness of its amphibious fleet. The service is currently grappling with maintenance issues that have delayed deployments and affected readiness. The USS Wasp, for example, faced mechanical failures that postponed its deployment in 2024. To address these challenges, Brig. Gen. Lee Meyer announced on April 28, 2026, that the service life of the USS Wasp has been extended by five years, allowing it to remain operational until 2034.
As part of this transition, the Navy is also reviewing the requirements for aviators to command large vessels, known as "deep draft command tours," which are traditionally necessary for those seeking to lead aircraft carriers. Adm. Caudle indicated that the Navy will explore alternative pathways for aviators to gain the requisite command experience without needing to serve on amphibious ships.
“The Navy will continue to study the most effective method to develop command-at-sea competency and proficiency for aviators selected for the nuclear power pipeline to reduce or eliminate the requirement for a separate deep draft command tour,” Caudle stated. This evaluation is part of a broader effort to align leadership roles with the specialized expertise required for different types of naval operations.
The directive has implications for command structures and for the future of naval operations. As the Navy seeks to bolster its amphibious capabilities, the focus will be on ensuring that commanders have the necessary skills and experience to lead effectively. This will involve a concerted effort to stabilize leadership and improve the performance of the amphibious fleet, which is viewed as a key component of the Navy's operational strategy.
With these changes, the Navy is taking decisive steps to address readiness challenges and improve the effectiveness of its amphibious operations. As the service continues to adapt to modern warfare requirements, the emphasis on specialized leadership within the surface warfare community is expected to play a central role in shaping the future of naval command.