US Marine Corps Amphibious Ship April 27: New Guerrilla Warfare Strategy

The US Marine Corps is reshaping its naval strategy with the introduction of the McClung-class medium landing ship (LSM), a smaller, more agile vessel designed for distributed operations across the Indo-Pacific. Named after Major Megan McClung, a female Marine killed in Iraq, this new amphibious ship represents a fundamental departure from traditional large-scale assault operations. Rather than concentrating forces on single islands, the Marine Corps plans to deploy 18-35 of these vessels to conduct rapid, dispersed operations across multiple locations. This strategic pivot directly addresses China’s growing long-range strike capabilities, enabling the Marines to execute what military planners call “guerrilla warfare” tactics at sea. The shift signals a critical evolution in how the US military adapts to emerging threats in contested waters.

McClung-Class Design and Specifications

The McClung-class represents a significant departure from traditional US Navy amphibious vessels. Based on the Dutch Damen Group’s LST-100 tank landing ship design, this 4,000-ton vessel offers unique operational advantages for modern warfare.

Dutch-Based Design Innovation

The US Navy secured data rights to the Damen design in December 2025 for $3.3 million, selecting this proven platform over purely American designs. The vessel features a 4,000-nautical-mile range, enabling sustained operations across vast ocean distances. Each ship can transport 250 Marine personnel, making it ideal for rapid deployment missions. The Dutch design’s proven track record and cost-effectiveness made it the preferred choice for this critical modernization effort.

Beaching Capability and Coastal Operations

Unlike larger assault ships, the McClung-class possesses direct beaching capability, allowing the vessel’s bow to drive directly onto shore without requiring separate landing craft. This feature dramatically reduces deployment time and increases operational flexibility in contested environments. The smaller size enables construction of multiple vessels simultaneously, accelerating the timeline for fleet expansion. Fincantieri Marine Group (FMM) received a $30 million contract in March 2026 to begin long-lead material procurement and planning for the first four ships, with construction potentially starting in Q4 2026.

Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations Strategy

The McClung-class directly supports the Marine Corps’ new operational doctrine called Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), fundamentally changing how the US military projects power in the Indo-Pacific region.

Distributed Force Deployment Model

EABO abandons the traditional model of concentrating large forces on single objectives. Instead, the strategy emphasizes small, dispersed units operating across multiple islands simultaneously. This approach maximizes unpredictability and complicates adversary targeting. By spreading forces across numerous locations, the Marines reduce vulnerability to China’s advanced long-range missiles and anti-ship weapons. The doctrine transforms the battlespace into a dynamic, multi-point engagement zone where rapid repositioning becomes the operational norm.

Countering China’s Long-Range Capabilities

China’s sophisticated anti-ship missiles and long-range strike systems have made traditional large-scale amphibious operations increasingly risky. The McClung-class enables the Marines to operate from smaller, less predictable positions across the Western Pacific. The new strategy emphasizes conducting “guerrilla warfare” at sea, leveraging mobility and dispersion rather than concentration of force. This tactical shift acknowledges the reality that traditional naval superiority no longer guarantees operational success against peer competitors.

Production Timeline and Fleet Expansion

The US Navy has committed to an ambitious shipbuilding program that will fundamentally expand Marine Corps amphibious capabilities over the next decade.

Initial Four-Ship Contract and Expansion Plans

Fincantieri Marine Group’s $30 million contract covers long-lead material procurement and planning for the first four McClung-class vessels. Construction is expected to begin as early as Q4 2026, with these initial ships serving as proof-of-concept platforms. The Navy plans to eventually construct between 18 and 35 vessels, creating a substantial fleet of medium landing ships. This production scale represents one of the largest amphibious ship programs in recent US military history.

Cost Efficiency and Rapid Deployment

The smaller size and proven Dutch design reduce per-unit costs compared to traditional assault ships, enabling higher production volumes within budget constraints. Smaller vessels also require less infrastructure for maintenance and support, allowing deployment from more austere locations. The distributed fleet model means the Marines can maintain continuous presence across multiple theaters simultaneously, enhancing deterrence and rapid response capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Strategic Implications for Indo-Pacific Security

The McClung-class program signals a fundamental restructuring of US military strategy in response to evolving threats and technological changes in the Indo-Pacific.

Reshaping Naval Doctrine in Contested Waters

Traditional large-scale amphibious operations assume air superiority and freedom of maneuver—conditions increasingly difficult to guarantee against advanced adversaries. The McClung-class enables operations in contested environments where large ships face unacceptable risk. By distributing forces across numerous smaller platforms, the Marines reduce the value of any single target while maintaining collective combat power. This approach reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts and evolving military theory about operating in denied environments.

Long-Term Implications for Regional Stability

The program demonstrates sustained US commitment to maintaining military presence and operational capability in the Indo-Pacific despite China’s military modernization. The 18-35 vessel production plan signals confidence in this operational model and commitment to long-term regional engagement. However, the strategy also reflects acknowledgment that traditional military advantages have eroded, requiring fundamental doctrinal innovation. The McClung-class represents not just a new ship, but a new way of thinking about power projection in an era of advanced anti-ship weapons and contested waters.

Final Thoughts

The McClung-class medium landing ship marks a pivotal moment in US military strategy, reflecting both technological innovation and doctrinal evolution. By embracing smaller, distributed forces over traditional large-scale operations, the Marine Corps is adapting to the reality of contested Indo-Pacific waters where China’s advanced long-range capabilities have made conventional approaches increasingly risky. The $30 million initial contract and planned fleet of 18-35 vessels demonstrate serious commitment to this new operational model. This strategic shift will reshape how the US military projects power, maintains regional presence, and deters potential adversaries across the Indo-Pacific…

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