Joint Seabasing and the Natural Environment: Environmental Impacts on the Operational Functions of Movement and Maneuver, Logistics and Protection When Employing a Joint Sea Base
Abstract
Seabasing is envisioned to become a key joint capability for the future. It will provide the Joint Force Commander with great flexibility when dealing with regional crises in locations where traditional land basing will be challenged or denied. When a joint sea base is brought together under the leadership of a Joint Force Maritime Component Commander (JFMCC), it will capitalize on the vast expanses of the sea for the operational functions of movement and maneuver, logistics (to include sustainment), and protection. The natural environment will affect each of these operational functions and play a key role in the JFMCC planning considerations for operations conducted from or through a joint sea base. This paper examines some of the environmental factors that will affect these operational functions from a historical perspective and through the lens of a simple scenario of a possible future operating environment. The author presents a case study of Operation Overlord, the Normandy invasion of World War II, and a future scenario of operations in the littoral South China Sea. He then presents recommendations on how the JFMCC can plan for and mitigate environmental effects on operational functions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA465012
Entities
People
- Paul E. Matthews
Organizations
- Naval War College