“We have to provide the Marines what they need to operate in that environment," Commandant of the Marine Corps David Berger said of the need for light amphibious warships. "And if that [means] less Marines, I’m willing to do that. I don’t want to do that."
The 1st and 2nd Landing Support Battalions saw extensive use in World War II, where the distinctive red patch on the utility uniform was first developed.