re: #741 realwest

Render, the newer versions of the Iwo Jima, Guam and other Amphibious Assault warfare ships that are the size of WWII Aircraft carriers are designed to carry Marines into combat by helicopter or by advanced Landing Craft; what that new vehicle does is help out the Marines ONCE THEY’VE TAKEN the beachhead. And those new Amphibious Assault Warfare ships also have roll on/roll off capabilities where we have already seized dock or landing area’s.
All this new gadjet is, is a combination of an APC with a chain gun and the ability to carry a few more Marines. Be nice to have, no doubt about it, but it ISN’T NECESSARY to carry off successful amphious assaults!

Don’t the Marines have a pretty wicked armed/armored hovercraft already in service for taking beach-heads? Or is that the system Gates is talking about cutting?