The US Marine Corps is partway through a complete recapitalisation of its aviation assets, in some cases replacing Vietnam-era equipment with modern platforms, as it positions itself to fight in future conflicts. The Marine Corps is unique among the US armed services in that it is expected to fight both from ship and shore. In a high-end fight, for example, it expects that 25% of its missions will be flown from the deck of a US Navy aircraft carrier or amphibious assault ship, and although the remaining 75% are likely to be flown from bases ashore, they also must have the option of reverting to a sea base. Accordingly, these requirements are shaping the replacement of the aviation fleets.
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