US Marine Corps Accepts Logistics Support Craft Prototype

The US Marine Corps, through the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL), recently accepted the first example in a new class of logistics support vessels designated as ancillary support craft (ASCs).

“Designed to navigate challenging maritime geography and bridge logistical gaps, the ASC represents a major leap forward in the marine corps’ ability to sustain stand-in forces within contested littoral environments, particularly in the Pacific,” the MCWL said in a statement following its technical acceptance of the new vessel.

“By using a partnership intermediary contracting strategy, the ASC program moved rapidly from concept to construction, placing work with a non-traditional shipbuilder to shorten the path to a fielded prototype.”

Contracted to Birdon America in 2024, the prototype vessel ASC 1 will soon undergo rigorous testing and tactical experimentation led by the MCWL.

MCWL said the roughly 150-foot (46-metre) Ro-Ro craft was purpose-built to deliver personnel, equipment, and fuel over the “last tactical mile,” beaching directly on unimproved shores.

Engineered for demanding ocean transits, the ASC is fully operational in Sea State five and designed to survive extreme conditions up to Sea State seven.

To ensure safe navigation through uncharted, very shallow littoral waters, the craft is equipped with advanced forward-looking sonar.

The vessel can transport up to 46 tons of cargo and 40 combat-loaded marines while executing vital shore-to-shore manoeuvre, mobility, and sustainment.