Amphibious Warfare Industrial Base Coalition Advocates for 31 Amphibs
Luke Lorenz serves as the Senior Director for Legislative Affairs with the Navy League of the United States. In this role, he formulates and manages advocacy operations ranging from traditional media outreach, social media campaigns, grassroots activism, coalition building and direct congressional legislative actions. He is also a former commissioned officer in the U.S. Army with missions in European and Central Commands. Prior to joining the Navy League, Lorenz acquired an international political economy-focused master’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, as well as a political management-focused master’s degree from The George Washington University.
WASHINGTON — Amidst a backdrop of uncertainty regarding the final fleet size of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious warfare ships that carry Marine Corps expeditionary units, the Amphibious Warfare Industrial Base Coalition (AWIBC) during a March 9 Congressional Breakfast event made their case for providing a bare minimum of 31 amphibious warfare ships for future Marine Corps operations
This goal was echoed by the keynote speaker, Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger, who has argued in favor of this amphibious fleet size despite pushback from notable Department of Defense detractors, both active and retired.
The event also featured several members of Congress eager to support the commandant’s vision for 31 such amphibious vessels. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, made clear that he would fight for this objective, with fellow Mississippian Rep. Trent Kelly, also voicing his support. As ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chair of the House Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, respectively, these two members have a lot of leverage to make this goal a reality.
Additional speakers included Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin; Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Virginia, and Rep. Gallagher, R-Wisconsin, with AWIBC Chairman and retired Navy Capt. David Forster moderating.