The Navy will begin a Service Life Extension Program for its LCACs (Landing Craft, Air Cushioned), upgrading the 74 in the active fleet (but not the 17 stored in reserve). This will increase the life cycle of the LCACs from 20 years to 30, putting off the first retirements until 2014. --Stephen V Cole
The US Navy has decided that the current 305-ship fleet must increase to 327 ships if it is to support the current range of peacekeeping and other non-war missions.--Stephen V Cole