On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), the technical command of the United States Navy, issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the selection of Vessel Construction Managers under the Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program for the United States Marine Corps. The ships are to bear the name McClung.
Image: NAVSEA
Accordingly, contract awards are expected in mid-2026 to Bollinger Shipyards in Mississippi and Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin. Earlier, in September 2025, Bollinger Shipyards received a contract to support long-lead procurement activities under the program and to manage ship design and engineering efforts. Fincantieri Marinette Marine is to carry out construction work on four of the eight approved vessels, although the total requirement is estimated at 35 ships.
It is worth noting that the selection of Fincantieri Marinette Marine is not accidental. When the United States Navy announced on November 25, 2025, the cancellation of the Future Guided Missile Frigate program, known as FFG(X), effectively halting further procurement of Constellation-class frigate vessels, the Navy pledged to support local jobs at the shipyard that had lost the contract. The new FF(X) program is expected to be based on the Legend-class cutter (National Security Cutter) design and, together with the LSM program, help sustain production capacity, including in Wisconsin.
It should also be recalled that on December 5, 2025, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan announced that the Dutch company Damen Naval had been selected as the technology provider for the LSM program, offering its LST-100 design. Interestingly, Bollinger Lockport Shipbuilding had proposed the ILSV (Israeli Logistics Support Vessel) design, which, as the name suggests, was ultimately delivered to Israel (two ships).
Before the Medium Landing Ship (LSM) enters service, however, the Australian company Birdon will build two prototype Ancillary Surface Craft–Medium (ASC-M) vessels. According to current plans, construction of the first LSM prototype is to begin in 2026, with delivery scheduled for 2029.
Previously, the LST-100 design was selected by Nigeria – for a single vessel, NNS Kada (LST 1314) – and by Australia under its Landing Craft Heavy program, which which provides for the construction of eight vessels.
The LST-100 is a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel with an overall length of 100.08 meters, a beam of 16 meters, and a displacement of approximately 4,000 tons. It has a maximum speed of 14–16 knots, a range of 3,400–4,000 nautical miles (at 15 knots), endurance of up to 15 days, and a payload capacity of up to 1,400 tons. Propulsion is provided by two Caterpillar Inc. 3516C diesel engines rated at 2,244–3,400 hp each (1,650–2,500 kW), along with four Caterpillar C18 generators rated at 816 hp (600 kW) each.
The standard crew consists of 32 officers and sailors, with accommodation for an additional 16 personnel and 234 embarked troops. In emergency situations, the ship can temporarily accommodate up to 450 personnel. It is capable of transporting two LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) landing craft.
The vessel is fitted with a bow ramp rated for loads of up to 70 tons, an internal ramp rated at 30 tons, and a stern ramp rated at 70 tons. A helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle can operate from the aft deck. Equipped with a 25-ton crane in the forward section, the ship will be able to embark unmanned underwater or surface vehicles. Its armament consists of a close-in defense system selected by the customer.
Business as usual is over. We’re streamlining oversight, leveraging commercial best practices, and using proven designs to deliver capability faster.
The VCM model drives accountability and performance. We’re delivering the ships our @USNavy and @USMC need to remain the most…
— Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan (@SECNAV) February 18, 2026