Smaller ships cannot carry all the supplies needed to support the units they put ashore. They must return to larger ships nearby, replenish, and carry further loads to the force. US Marine Corps plans can draw on large American sealift ships for that support. Other navies would need comparable logistics before adopting the same pattern. Buying smaller ships alone would leave them unable to carry all the equipment and supplies their forces need.
Notable Point · 2:47:11-2:48:18
Small amphibious ships need larger supply ships nearby
US Marine Corps smaller-ship plans depend on larger sealift ships supplying the forces ashore.