USS McClung LSM 1: First in a New Era of Amphibious Warfare for Navy.

According to information published the US DoD on January 16, 2025, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro officially announced the naming of the USS McClung (LSM 1), the lead ship in the McClung-class of Medium Landing Ships (LSM). This announcement marks a milestone in the Navy’s effort to modernize its amphibious capabilities, particularly in support of the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) concept.
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Artist rendering. (Picture source: US Government)

The LSM program, previously referred to as the Light Amphibious Warship (LAW) program, is a critical component of the U.S. Navy’s strategic focus on distributed maritime operations. This program aims to procure a fleet of 18 to 35 vessels, designed to provide affordable, versatile platforms capable of operating in contested maritime environments. The ships will be used primarily for transporting equipment, troops, and supplies to support Marine Corps operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where agility and adaptability are paramount.

The design specifications of the LSM emphasize utility and operational flexibility. The vessels are expected to measure approximately 350 to 400 feet in length, with a draft shallow enough to facilitate beach landings. They are projected to have a top speed of 22 knots and an operational range of approximately 6,500 nautical miles. This makes them suitable for sustained operations across distributed theaters, ensuring logistical support for Marine Corps units deployed in expeditionary roles.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the LSM class is its capability to operate mechanized and utility landing craft. These rugged, steel-hulled displacement vessels are designed to transport vehicles, equipment, and personnel directly from ship to shore or between locations along the coastline. The ships are also expected to play a role in humanitarian and disaster response operations, underscoring their dual-purpose design for both military and civilian missions.

The EABO operational concept, which these ships are designed to support, focuses on small, dispersed units establishing temporary bases to control key maritime areas, gather intelligence, and disrupt adversarial activities. This requires ships that are less conspicuous, more cost-effective, and easier to maneuver than traditional large-scale amphibious assault vessels. The LSMs are envisioned as the linchpin of this strategy, bridging the gap between traditional amphibious warfare and emerging tactical demands.

Despite its strategic importance, the LSM program has faced financial and technical challenges. The Navy recently canceled an initial request for proposals due to cost concerns after industry bids exceeded budgetary expectations. This has led to a reassessment of procurement strategies to ensure the program remains affordable while meeting operational requirements. Cost estimates for the program range between $6.2 billion and $7.8 billion for an 18-ship class, with individual ship costs projected at $340 million to $430 million.