Dispersion: A Concept of Employment for Naval Aviation in Operational Maneuver from the Sea
Abstract
Tempo will be the cornerstone of success for Operational Maneuver from the Sea (OMFTS). To maintain superior tempo, fire support must be generated at a rate proportionate to the MAGTF commander's speed of operations and scheme of maneuver. Although advanced naval surface fire systems will be able to deliver accurate fires at extended ranges, these weapons will be ill-suited to provide timely and responsive close-in fire support for the ground maneuver elements due to their long times of flight. Emerging naval surface fire systems will be more effective in shaping the deep and deep-deep battlespaces. As a result, aviation will continue to be the main source of fire support for the Ground Combat Element. However, because OMFTS dictates that naval forces will remain over-the-horizon to counter future threat capabilities, traditional naval air operations will lack the responsiveness and flexibility required in the dynamic OMFTS environment. This is due to the time-distance problem associated with over-the-horizon flight operations and the "bottleneck" effect inherent to single deck flight evolutions. As a result, a new concept of naval aviation employment that focuses on timely and effective fire support must be adopted if OMFTS is to become a reality. The limitations of single-deck flight operations can be overcome and responsive and effective fire support can be provided by dispersing naval aviation assets throughout an area of operations. Aircraft can be dispersed at sea by forming a naval expeditionary force (NEF) from the assets of the carrier battle group, the amphibious ready group, and future flight operation capable Maritime Preposition Squadrons. On land, dispersion is possible through the exploitation of new systems and technologies such as the Joint Strike Fighter, the KC-130J, and miniaturized munitions. By dispersing its air assets, a NEF can circumvent the restrictive nature of traditional sea-based flight operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA529414
Entities
People
- Mark G. Mykleby
Organizations
- Marine Corps University