The southern littoral response group had disappeared with the Albion-class ships in this account, leaving its future uncertain. Ocean, Albion, Bulwark, and other landing ships had previously provided the means to move a substantial brigade overseas. Those retirements removed that capacity before replacement vessels had been ordered. Announced successors therefore offered no immediate answer to the loss of amphibious lift.
Notable Point · 35:10-36:01
Amphibious retirements left a gap before replacements
The loss of Ocean and the Albion-class ships removed brigade-scale sealift while replacement vessels remained unbuilt and unordered.