USNI News reported that the U.S. Navy was considering drastic measures in order to combat a manpower shortage.

According to reports, the Military Sealift Command is facing operational challenges because of a shortage in qualified civilian mariners. USNI News, citing people with knowledge of the deliberations, reported that this prompted a strategy to remove 17 Navy support vessels from service. This proposal is reportedly called a “force-generation reset” and aims to relieve the staffing pressure by placing two Lewis and Clark class replenishment ships, a fleet oiler and twelve Spearhead Class Expeditionary Fast Transports(EPF) and 2 expeditionary sea bases in extended maintenance and reassigning crews to another vessel.

USNI News reported that two sources confirmed the USS Lewis Puller and USS Herschel “Woody” Williams are the two expeditionary seabases identified in the plan. The outlet stated that these vessels were pivotal to regional naval operations including counter-smuggling, special operations and anti-terrorist operations. USNI News reported that the COVID-19 virus pandemic, and resulting strict onboard restrictions have exacerbated the reallocation of crews.

The outlet reported that this move was necessary due to a shortage of mariners. This could reduce the MSC’s demand by up to 700 billets. According to reports, the draft plan is waiting for approval by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti. The outlet reported that it currently operates 4,500 bills with a mariner to billet ratio of approximately 1.27. Two MSC master sailors told the outlet that this ratio was not sound from an operational standpoint.

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MSC may consider reassigning all 17 ship crews to increase the MSC’s workforce. This could add 600-700 sailors. This proposal aims to increase shore leave for MSC Mariners while also supporting the crewing requirements for new John Lewis class fleet oilers. Three of these vessels have already been delivered, but are still not deployed due to staffing issues, USNI News reported.

Mariners have been experiencing high turnover rates due to COVID-19 protocol and harsh conditions onboard. One retired MSC employee told the outlet that these issues, combined with the personal sacrifices made by mariners and the impact on their family lives, led some to resign.

Sal Mercogliano – a history professor and former MSC Mariner – criticized the management of the force over the long term. Mercogliano, a former MSC mariner and history professor, told USNI News that “this is the basic result of years of neglecting their force.” “They are burning people through.”

The Daily Caller reached out to the U.S. Navy to get a comment, but so far has not received a reply.