New Navy policy: Surface warfare officers to command all Amphibious ships

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle issued a directive on April 2024, 2026, requiring Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) to command all amphibious warships. The policy change ends the long-standing tradition of Navy aviators commanding amphibious assault ships, transport docks, and dock landing ships.

Meanwhile, this shift aims to leverage the deep mariner and mechanical expertise of surface officers to manage the technical complexity and ship systems of the modern amphibious fleet. 

In line with current data, the amphibious fleet is struggling, with only 45% of ships combat-ready, significantly lower than the surface fleet (63%) and submarine community (65%). 

To ensure stability and performance, commanding officers are now required to serve at least two years in their roles to better oversee complex maintenance cycles.

“Inherent in these improvements is the need for [commanding officers] to not only have exquisite knowledge of readiness, maintenance procedures, component design, and failure modes, damage control, and operational procedures, but also to be masters of their ships while remaining in command long enough to make real and effective changes,” wrote Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations.

Aviators will still command nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. However, the Navy is now researching new ways for aviators to gain “deep draft” command experience without using amphibious ships as steppingstones. 

Experts, including retired Capt. Bradley Martin noted that surface officers are better suited for these roles because their entire career paths are aligned with amphibious platforms. Brig. Gen. Lee Meyer confirmed that the USS Wasp has had its service life extended by five years until 2034 following past mechanical failures. 

While federal law mandates a minimum of 31 amphibious ships, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith warned at the 2026 Sea-Air-Space expo that current levels are still insufficient to meet global military requirements.