No, the Marines do not operate their own ships, aside from some small craft.
While the United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a seaborne fighting force and relies heavily on naval vessels for transportation and amphibious operations, the ships that transport them are operated exclusively by the U.S. Navy. These ships are part of the Navy's amphibious fleet.
Here's a breakdown:
- Navy Operation: The U.S. Navy operates and maintains the amphibious ships.
- Joint Operations: While the ships are Navy-operated, they are essential for Marine Corps operations. The Navy and Marine Corps work closely together, particularly within the framework of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).
- Marine Presence: Some larger amphibious ships might have a small number of Marine officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) assigned to the crew. This facilitates better coordination and understanding between the two branches.
- Small Craft Exception: The Marine Corps does operate some smaller craft, such as riverine patrol boats and landing craft, to support their specific missions. These are not considered major naval vessels.
In essence, the relationship between the Navy and Marine Corps is vital for amphibious warfare. The Navy provides the ships, and the Marines provide the ground combat force, working together to project power from the sea.
