USS Wasp’s Service Life Extended by Five Years

The U.S. Navy has extended the operational lifespan of the USS Wasp, a lead Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, by five years, pushing its service window until 2034. This decision follows a comprehensive study on the vessel's capabilities and comes as part of broader efforts to enhance the readiness of the amphibious fleet. Expeditionary Warfare Director Brig. Gen. Lee Meyer announced the extension during an interview at the Modern Day Marine exposition in Washington.

The Navy is now considering similar service life extensions for other Wasp-class ships, with plans to evaluate each vessel individually. A study on amphibious dock landing ships is expected to be completed by Naval Sea Systems Command within days, providing insights into their current status and recommendations for extending their operational lives. These efforts aim to sustain the fleet's effectiveness across a 40-year service span, with hopes of pushing that duration to 50 years to bolster military readiness.

The USS Wasp’s extended service life is emblematic of the Navy and Marine Corps' strategy to modernize and maintain a robust amphibious fleet. However, challenges remain, as the fleet has faced numerous engineering issues and maintenance concerns. In 2024, three Wasp-class ships encountered significant mechanical failures at sea, leading to deployment delays. Additionally, a 2024 Government Accountability Office report highlighted that half of the Navy's amphibious ships are in poor condition and poorly maintained, with readiness rates dropping to 41% despite a requirement for 80% operational efficiency.

Efforts to address these issues include President Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 defense budget, which seeks funding for new America-class amphibious assault ships and San Antonio-class transport docks. These initiatives underscore the importance of maintaining a capable amphibious fleet to meet global security demands and ensure readiness for future operations.