This is a legit requirement since the ESGs often operate far from any other support.
On paper...last utilized when?
Maybe the B mission could be handled by carrier-based aircraft instead.
Exactly! Which begs the question, do the Marines really need an air arm besides helos. That should get the Marines responding!
The whole Marine corps aviation program off amphibious assault ships depends on STOL, so unless they're going to abandon that, then they need STOL.
What do you know! LOL!
So perhaps we can save on Marine dedicated boats too.