It was "lost" because it doesn't make enough $$$$ for the really big defense contractors ... and it doesn't command a large piece of the DoD budget (read: power, face, influence, bigger piece of the pie) for military chieftains .... if "it" did, -- i.e., low intensity warfighting capability and assets --- we would have never "lost" them ...
Same thing happened with inshore warfare and brown water operations ... and mine-sweeping ... ??? What's that???
Two problems: we have short memories .... and we have overinflated budget/procurement priorities, both in industry and the DoD.
Just my $20 worth ...
"Never say never"??? How about .... the more things change ...
I was going to blame Bill Clinton... but this works too.