This week for $51,000* on the Government Services Administration (GSA) website, you can purchase a modern US Army 128 ft ocean Tug (LT). These tugs are capable of ocean towing, and port operations. They can support salvage and humanitarian aid operations, including fire-fighting and salvage capability. Constructed in the 1990s, these tugs cost millions to build and are in excellent condition.
Why is the Army selling these vessels as well as their 60 ft Small Tugs, 174 ft LCUs, 314 ft LSVs, Barge Derrick cranes, LCMs, and logistic barges?
According to Army officials, the reason is this: “The Army decided to suspend watercraft operations while we evaluate the overall watercraft requirements needed to support the National Defense Strategy….initial analysis identified excess capability beyond existing requirements…as well as sustainment of its various existing fleets, support Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and Joint All Domain Operations (JADO). Additionally, an Army Watercraft Systems (AWS) needs to provide the ability to access multiple entry points via littorals, inland waterways, and waterborne corridor to sustain forces within an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) bubble.” https://gcaptain.com/u-s-army-watercraft-lost-at-sea-opinion/
*Note: As of publishing, it appears the current bid on the MG WINFIELD SCOTT tug is now US $101,729.
Army Watercraft https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/army.htm
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Exl8RtuXAAA-buK.jpg:large
This week for $51,000* on the Government Services Administration (GSA) website, you can purchase a modern US Army 128 ft ocean Tug (LT). These tugs are capable of ocean towing, and port operations. They can support salvage and humanitarian aid operations, including fire-fighting and salvage capability. Constructed in the 1990s, these tugs cost millions to build and are in excellent condition.
Why is the Army selling these vessels as well as their 60 ft Small Tugs, 174 ft LCUs, 314 ft LSVs, Barge Derrick cranes, LCMs, and logistic barges?
According to Army officials, the reason is this: “The Army decided to suspend watercraft operations while we evaluate the overall watercraft requirements needed to support the National Defense Strategy….initial analysis identified excess capability beyond existing requirements…as well as sustainment of its various existing fleets, support Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and Joint All Domain Operations (JADO). Additionally, an Army Watercraft Systems (AWS) needs to provide the ability to access multiple entry points via littorals, inland waterways, and waterborne corridor to sustain forces within an anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) bubble.” https://gcaptain.com/u-s-army-watercraft-lost-at-sea-opinion/
*Note: As of publishing, it appears the current bid on the MG WINFIELD SCOTT tug is now US $101,729.
Army Watercraft https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/army.htm