The difficulty of crewing naval vessels has resulted in consideration being given to removing some ships from the Fleet.107 The Royal Navy currently has two amphibious assault ships (HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion) which cycle in availability with one placed into maintenance and extended readiness whilst the other is held at readiness for operational duties. These ships are used by the Royal Marines and can deliver, sustain and recover troops via helicopter and/or specialist landing craft in potentially hostile environments. In early January, there were reports suggesting that the MOD were considering retiring HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark in advance of their out of service dates in the 2030s. When questioned the Government originally stated that the matter was still under consideration.108 However, on 24 January, the Minister for Development and Africa responded to a question in the House to say that Government was supportive of retaining the vessels rather than seeing them scrapped or mothballed.109 The RAF