Arrival and Assembly of the Maritime Prepositioned Force at Sea
Abstract
The Maritime Prepositioned Force (MPF) operation conducted to support the buildup of I MEF during Operation DESERT SHIELD was a success. This operation validated the MPF concept and provided lessons learned that resulted in numerous improvements. One area that still needs addressing is the MPF's vulnerability during its arrival and assembly phase. A vision for eliminating this vulnerability is provided in the U.S. Marine Corps concept for a future MPF titled "Maritime Prepositioned Force 2010 and Beyond." The concept calls for the arrival and assembly of the MPF at sea vice ashore. The paper first describes how a present-day MPF operation is conducted. It then describes how arrival and assembly at sea would take place. The author contends that the arrival and assembly of the MPF at sea will require changes to the MPF's operational capabilities. The majority of the paper is devoted to identifying the capabilities the MPF requires if it is to be successful in this operation onboard the ship. These capabilities are as follows: (1) receiving personnel onboard the ship by airlift and sealift; (2) providing habitability; (3) executing command and control; (4) preparing, issuing, and maintaining equipment; (5) issuing supplies; (6) staging personnel, supplies, and equipment as task-organized units; (7) launching units by air and surface to integrate with the augmented force; (8) adjusting the stability of the ship; and (9) providing for the ship's protection. The author concludes that arrival and assembly at sea promise to make MPF operations safer without changing their purpose or essential character. The technology and know how already exist.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA520513
Entities
People
- Walter E. Lundin
Organizations
- Marine Corps University