The Medium Landing Ship program aims to deliver up to eight vessels as part of a broader goal to field a 35-ship fleet for the Navy and Marine Corps. By acting as the Vessel Construction Manager, TOTE Services will consolidate design, shipyard selection, and supply chain coordination under a single management structure. The firm is tasked with bringing commercial efficiency to government procurement, focusing on standardized configurations and disciplined cost management to expedite delivery.

Jeff Dixon, president of TOTE Services, described the appointment as a defining moment for the company and the broader domestic shipbuilding sector. The firm will soon issue requests for proposals to U.S. shipyards, initiating a competitive selection process supported by technical partners including Leidos Gibbs & Cox and Damen. This project follows the company's previous work on the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel program, which served as a proving ground for the management model now being applied to the landing ship fleet. By providing a consistent demand signal, the program is expected to encourage long-term investment in American shipyards and skilled maritime trades.