Maneuver Support Vessel (MSV)

Abstract

The Army's new Maneuver Support Vessels (MSVs) support Dynamic Force Repositioning (DFR) and provides the Combatant and Multi-Domain Task Force Commander with organic waterborne lift capability that can deliver today's Army maneuver platforms and equipment, and supply bulk fuel and water across the full spectrum of operations with increased speed and lower draft; and mitigates anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) threat by providing access to shallow coastal waters, rivers, in narrow inland waterways in support of dispersed force elements in austere environments and where mature ports or road networks are unavailable. The MSVs are critical modernization efforts in support of the Army's Watercraft Transformation Strategy (AWTS) and Army Force Package 2.0. The Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) - MSV(L) is the first modernization program which will displace the Army's aging Landing Craft Mechanized-8 (LCM-8) class of vessels. The LCM-8 does not have the speed, functional draft (shallow water capability), and maneuver capability to move today's Army Maneuver Platforms. The MSV-L provides upgraded capabilities such as higher operational speed, reduced draft and increased payload to conduct maneuver support missions including delivery of the Army's maneuver platforms such as a combat configured Abrams, Stryker and Bradley Fighting Vehicles along with critical sustainment missions including delivery of food, water, fuel, and ammunition. The MSV(L) program is currently in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD). Specifically, FY 2021 funds the production of the single full scale MSV(L) prototype, contractor and government testing of the prototype and support for milestone documentation for Milestone C approval. The Maneuver Support Vessel (Next) - MSV(N) is the second modernization program in the AWTS. In FY 2021, the Army is initiating feasibility studies to determine if the Army can replace both the aging Logistics Support Vessel (LSV) and the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) class of vessels with one common vessel class. Although the LSV and LCU vessels are the Army's Watercraft highest operational vessel classes, the Army must also evolve to meet the needs of the future Multi-Domain Task Force and Combatant Command missions. Specifically, FY 2021 funds the start of the MSV(N) market research, affordability and feasibility studies to inform future watercraft modernization requirements and an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA). In general, all Army Watercraft funding supports initiatives to enhance the seaworthiness, safety, and survivability while increasing the lethality, tactical mobility, and operational capability of the Army Mariner to preserve the Combatant Commanders requirement of "freedom of seas" access in all areas of the world particularly the littorals, to support maneuver operations in all Areas of Responsibility. In FY 2021, $0.178 million in Reimbursable Manpower for this line has been realigned from Reimbursable Civilian Funding to Direct Operations and Maintenance. Program support costs have been accurately updated to reflect the realignments.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: EJ9_0604804A_5_2040_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

• Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
• Maritime Security/Maritime Homeland Security
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.