Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future) Capability Assessment: Planned and Alternative Structures

Abstract

This study examines various possible changes to the planned composition of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future) (MPF[F]). At the time of this analysis, the planned 14-ship MPF(F) squadron will consist of the following: (1) two modified LHA (replacement) (LHA[R]) large-deck amphibious assault ships equipped with Marine Expeditionary Brigade command and control facilities; (2) one modified LHD large-deck amphibious ship; (3) three Lewis and Clark dry cargo/ammunition ships (T-AKEs); (4) three modified large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) sealift ships; (5) three mobile landing platform (MLP) ships, each capable of operating six landing craft, air cushioned (LCAC) surface connectors; and (6) two legacy "dense-pack" MPF ships taken from existing squadrons. LHA(R)s and LHDs have large flight decks and hangar decks for embarking and operating helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft. LHA(R)s and LHDs also provide medical capabilities. With six operating rooms, 17 intensive care unit beds, and 60 overflow beds, LHDs have the greatest medical capability of any amphibious platform in operation. Most of the possible variations from the program of record MPF(F) entail removing large-deck ships: the LHA(R)s and the LHD. Additionally, we examined cases where a fourth MLP is added (with six additional LCACs) to assess a situation where only surface connectors can be used. Most of our analysis focuses on major combat operations (MCOs), but we did consider the possibility of the MPF(F) supporting counterinsurgency (COIN) and special operations. This analysis does not examine the ability of the MPF(F) to support joint operations; rather, it concentrates on the ability of a modified MPF(F) to sustain United States Marine Corps (USMC) Marine Expeditionary Brigades (MEBs).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA522677

Entities

People

  • Dick Hoffmann
  • Jessie Riposo
  • John Gordon Iv
  • Peter A. Wilson
  • Robert W. Button

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Amphibious Operations
  • Boats
  • Combat Operations
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Tilt Rotor Aircraft
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control