Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle issued a directive on April 2024, 2026, requiring Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) to command all amphibious warships. The policy change ends the long-standing tradition of Navy aviators commanding amphibious assault ships, transport docks, and dock landing ships.

Meanwhile, this shift aims to leverage the deep mariner and mechanical expertise of surface officers to manage the technical complexity and ship systems of the modern amphibious fleet. 

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