By Joel Rothschild, Warrior Contributor
“Let me just simply say, ‘courage under fire.’” These were the opening words of Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro at the commissioning ceremony for the 784-foot USS John L. Canley (ES6). Named for a Vietnam war veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, John L. Canley, it is the fourth Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base (ESB).
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John L. Canley was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1968 for sustained bravery and leadership during a week-long battle in Hue City, Vietnam. MSgt Canley carried numerous wounded Marines to safety while under fire and assumed command of his unit when his commanding officer was severely wounded.
The commissioning underscores the Navy’s commitment to transform warfare with sea basing to support special operations forces and unmanned missions. The demand for sea basing gained attention and support following 9/11 and was driven by a need for a more flexible response in regions where forward bases are not practical due to political or geographical reasons. The ship is lightly armed and intended to operate in low-intensity areas.
The USS John L. Canley was commissioned on Feb 17, 2024, and will be homeported in San Diego with plans to permanently deploy to Commander Seventh Fleet (C7F). The ship provides a versatile platform that can be used as a staging platform for Marine Corps Aviation, special operations forces, security teams, mine countermeasures, unmanned systems, and other units supporting operations ashore.
Video Analysis: Can the US Save Taiwan
Built by General Dynamics National Steel & Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), company President David Carter said “The ship is designed to support nearly every rotary wing aircraft in the DoD inventory as well as allied aircraft.” The large flight deck can accommodate up to 4 MH-53 or V-22 aircraft. He added that the Canley “is a massive, capable, flexible warship that gives fleet commanders decision space they need throughout their operating theaters.”
The ship is based on a diesel-electric Alaska crude oil tanker design also built by General Dynamics NASSCO. In addition to the third largest flight deck in the fleet, the USS John L. Canley features a hanger, boat cranes, and an open mission deck.
The Navy is commissioning all of the ESBs as USS ships to underscore their operational status. The ships are crewed by 140+ Sailors and 40+ civilians and can support an embarked force of 200+ Marines. Blue and Gold crews are comprised of a combination of military and civil service mariners (CIVMARS). Civilian mariners are civilian employees of the Navy’s Military Sealift Command and provide greater flexibility in terms of staffing, compensation, and career paths than does a military Surface Warfare track.
Secretary Del Toro concluded the ceremony, “It is my firm belief that USS John L. Canley will serve as an inspiration to all who follow in her wake. … I have no doubt that throughout his service, USS John L. Canley will display ‘courage under fire.’”
Joel Rothschild is a retired Navy officer and entrepreneur. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace
engineering from the University of Colorado, master’s degree from the Naval War College, and a CIO
Certificate from the National Defense University. He has served in the Pentagon, Iraq, Third Fleet,
Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Command.
