Since the island-hopping campaign in the Pacific Ocean during World War II, the Marine Corps has viewed the ability to conduct amphibious assaults -- attacks launched from the sea against targets on land -- as its primary mission. In support of this mission, the U.S. Navy operates a fleet of 63 amphibious warfare ships that have been specially designed for amphibious operations. The Admin¿s. goal is to provide enough capacity to transport the assault echelons of one Marine Expeditionary Force & one Marine Expeditionary Brigade. This analysis addresses the Admin¿s. goals for amphibious ships & its plan for meeting those goals. Also discusses alternative strategies that require less funding, Illustrations.