UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

EXPEDITIONARY WARFARE TRAINING GROUP, PACIFIC

N571 DEPARTMENT
3423 GUADALCANAL ROAD
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92155-5099

LESSON PLAN

TRANSFORMATION

MPF 19

MARITIME PREPOSITIONING FORCE (MPF) STAFF PLANNING

N20L8QM

REVISED 07/01/2008

APPROVED BY _______________________ DATE ______________________

 MPF 18

INTRODUCTION (3 MIN)

1. GAIN ATTENTION.

(Slide 1)

Now we are going to discuss transformation

The material in this class will be able to help you not only in MPF deployments
but also help you understand the basic planning considerations for
reconstitution planning that you may be a part of as a staff planner. This
information will also assist the student in the practical exercise portion of
this course.

(Slide 2)

OVERVIEW. This lesson will provide the student with information Seabasing, the
2015 MEB, Maritime Expeditionary Capabilities, Planning considerations and the
five phases of MPF(F).

(Slide 3)

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES (LESSON PURPOSE)

To familiarize the student with the concept of seabasing and the pillars of MPF
(Future).

TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

1. With the aid of references, discuss the planning considerations for

seabasing and MPF(F).

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE(S):

1. With the aid of references, explain a sea base.

2. With the aid of references, explain the terms sea shield and sea strike.
3. With the aid of references, explain the role MPF(F) plays within seabasing.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE. Take a minute to read over your TLOs and ELOs. Once everyone
looks up I will know when to begin.

(Slide 4)
These are the references associated with the lecture.

1. MCWP 3-32/NWP 3-02.3, Maritime Prepositioning Force Operations

2. Naval Transformation Roadmap

3. Joint Publication 1-02

4. Sea basing Integration Division Brief, Program Review, March 2008

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4. METHOD/MEDIA. This period of instruction will be given using the

informal lecture method aided by a powerpoint presentation.

5. EVALUATION. You will be evaluated during the practical application on

training day 4 and 5.

6. SAFETY/CEASE TRAINING (CT) BRIEF. N/A

TRANSITION. Are there any questions about what we will be covering, how we
will cover it, or how you will be evaluated? Good, now let’s discuss seabasing.
________________________________________________________________________________
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(Slide 5)

BODY (45 MIN)

a.Paragraph Heading. Seabasing Case Study Film (10:45 MIN)

We are now going to view a short video

(Slide 6)

Play video imbedded in PPT.

(Slide 7)

Are there any questions about the video? If not, let’s continue on with
seabasing.

(Slide 8)

Seabasing is the next generation of our Naval Expeditionary Force Power

projection Concept. The use of the sea as maneuver space is nothing new to our
naval warfighting concept. It creates uncertainty for our adversaries and
opportunities for us. In addition, seabasing also makes it easy for us to
protect our forces and provide operational security in anti-access environments.
Finally, It gives us the flexibility of responding to a broad range of missions
from cooperative security engagements to major combat operations.

(Slide 9)

All of the capabilities above exist in our inventory today.

The RRDF provides an assembly platform for staging equipment for in-stream
offload. Our current and future amphibious platforms are well suited for
arrival and assembly of forces at sea. The Improved Navy Lighterage System
provides a relatively high speed interface for in-stream operations to the
shore. Our existing LCACs perform a high speed connector role between the
amphibs, the RRDF and the beach.

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While not part of today’s inventory the future Joint High Speed Vessel will
provide a longer range connector role for force closure and sustainment of the
seabase. This capability is available from commercial vendors and lease to DoD –
WestPac Express and HSV Swift are two examples.

(Slide 10)

This graphic depicts how Seabasing works. (Animated Slide)

Forces close from CONUS or a prepositioned site and assemble at sea. This
allows our forces to employ immediately upon arriving in theater without a
friendly airfield or port. Seabased forces maneuver directly to the objective
rather than first establishing a presence on shore. The Sea Base also provides
Sea Shield and Sea Strike for force protection.

(First Click) Forces close via FIE to an Advanced base

(Second Click) MPF(F) Squadron proceeds toward the seabase

(Third Click) Elements of the ESG also arrive at the Seabase

(Fourth Click) Intra-theater high speed connectors such as JHSV and other
theater air and surface assets may be employed to support movement of personnel
and equipment from the advanced base to the sea base

(Fifth Click) The seabase permits the rapid build up of combat power which can
deter the escalation of global crisis or allow the JFC to seize the initiative
with synchronized combat power.

(Sixth Click) The Seabase also provides a protected area (50-100NM off the
coast) for the forces.

The Sea Base also provides Sea Shield and Sea Strike for force protection.

Sea Shield: exploits control of the seas and forward-deployed defensive

capabilities to

defeat area-denial strategies, enabling joint forces to project and sustain

power. Sea Shield transformational capabilities are :Theater Air and Missile
Defense (TAMD); Littoral Sea Control; and Homeland Defense.

MPF(F) will typically operate in close proximity with other Naval forces (ESG
and/or CSG) which are responsible for providing adequate active Sea Shield
defenses. MPF(F) will be capable of independent operations only in secured or
benign scenarios.

Sea Strike: Sea Strike is a broadened naval concept for projecting dominant
and decisive offensive power from the sea in support of joint objectives. Sea
Strike incorporates and integrates multi-dimensional capabilities for power
projection with new combinations of forces and platforms, such as the
Expeditionary Strike Force. Transformational capabilities within Sea Strike are
being pursued in four areas: Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance (ISR); Time Sensitive Strike; Information Operations; and Ship-
to-Objective Maneuver.

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What are some of the Key Attributes to using the seabasing concept vice the
currently legacy MPF? (Answer next slide)

(Slide 11)

A) Key Attributes

Reduced Infrastructure=less security, less unnecessary exposure of equipment and

supplies.

No secure beach or host nation required

Assembles troops & equipment at sea

Selective offload for different missions

Sustainment and reconstitution of fighting forces from the sea

(Slide 12)

Today’s dynamic global environment demands that the sea base be flexible and
scalable, allowing Operational Commanders the ability to configure the sea base
in order to optimize the employment of the appropriate size and capable forces
to accomplish the mission, whatever that mission may be--from Humanitarian
Assistance to Major Combat Operations.

(Slide 13)

The Sea Base should be viewed as a capability. It can be formed by one ship, a
small group of ships, or a larger, more diverse force. No two seabases will
ever be the same. The platforms shown on this graphic are all components that
will play a role in the system of systems. At the center of the Sea Base will
be the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future). The Carrier Strike Group is
built around an aircraft carrier, while an Expeditionary Strike Group provides
the synergy of surface combatants with a Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked on
Amphibious Warfare Ships. Various connectors will provide both intra-theater
and inter-theater lift of aircraft, personnel, and equipment. The Combat
Logistics Force ships provide sustainment, and Coalition Forces provide unique
capabilities to the Sea Base that will be critical to our success.

(Slide 14)

A Seabase is a suite of Expeditionary Capabilities provided to the Joint Force

Commander to project power from the sea. In the next couple of slides we will
talk about the following Maritime Expeditionary Capabilities: AE, MPF(F), and
Connectors as well as the 2015 MEB.

(Slide 15)

2015 Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB). The 2015 Baseline MEB was designed to
be deployed and employed by both amphibious ships and MPF(F) ships. The MAGTF
has the same capability, regardless of deployment/employment means. The MPF(F)
is designed to introduce the 2015 MEB via 1 Air and 2 Surface Battalions using a
concept called “selective offload”.

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We will discuss some of the planning considerations and how the ACE has changed
in a few slides.

(Slide 16)

Animated Slide

(First Click) In amphibious operations, the element of a force comprised of

tailored units and aircraft assigned to conduct the initial assault is the AE.
The AE will introduce 2 MEBs (15 ships per MEB) into the Obj area via Amphibious
shipping comprised of 1 LHA, 4 LHD-1 (Wasp Class), (5) LPD-17 (San Antonio
Class), and 5 LSD-41 (Whidbey Island Class).

(Slide 17)

The Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future) will be the true enabler of seabased
operations. The MPF(F) is not part of the assault follow-on echelon but will
aid rapid force closure by reinforcing the landing force with 1.0 MEB into the
objective area.

(Slide 18)

In amphibious operations, that echelon of the assault troops, vehicles,

aircraft, equipment, and supplies that is required to support and sustain the
assault is known as the Assault Follow-on Echelon (AFOE). The Assault Follow-on
Echelon (AFOE) deploys on 10 to 14 Strategic Sea Lift ships, depending on what
ships are available.

MPF(F) is not assault echelon shipping; therefore it does not have a forcible
entry capability and requires the sea shield in non-permissive environments.

(Slide 19)

The AE is the muscle of our naval forces. It allows us forcible entry

capability as well as provides the bulk of the forward presence and deterrence
capability

As I mentioned before the AE is composed of 15 ships for one MEB’s worth of

lift. The AE will introduce 2 MEBs (15 ships per MEB) into the Obj area via
Amphibious shipping comprised of 1 LHA, 4 LHD-1 (Wasp Class), (5) LPD-17 (San
Antonio Class), and 5 LSD-41 (Whidbey Island Class).

(Slide 20)

The MPF(F) program will be still be composed of 3 total squadrons. One squadron
will be MPF(F) consisting of 14 various vessels and two legacy squadrons.
MPF(F) provides all the same capabilities as the Legacy MPF but in addition also
provides the JFC with at sea AA, Selective offload, and the full capacity to
operate is a SS of 3 with its INLS, and advanced connectors (JHSV and JMAC). We
will discuss each of the ships within the MPF(F) squadron in the next couple of
slides.

(Slide 21)

First, let’s watch a quick video on Joint Seabasing. MPF(F) is only one
Expeditionary Capability of Seabasing. Video is 15 minutes long.

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(Slide 22)

Play Video

(Slide 23)

Are there any questions about the video?

The biggest thing about MPF(F) is that even though it retains all the
prepositioning capabilities associated with current Maritime Prepositioning
Ships (MPS), it can also exploit the sea as maneuver space from over-the-
horizon, and conduct dispersed operations while supported by force protection
commensurate with the threat. An MPF(F) squadron shall provide capabilities
beyond that of the existing Maritime Prepositioning Squadron (MPSRON), including
surface connector interfaces; organic aviation interfaces and support for tilt-
rotor/rotary-wing aircraft, vehicle/equipment and surface connector maintenance;
selective offload; MEB level command and control; underway and vertical
replenishment; and skin-to-skin cargo transfer.

(Slide 24)

As we discussed on training day 1 in the overview class, the MPF has evolved
dramatically since it was born in the early 1980s. In the beginning the MPF
Program only consisted of 13 contracted and constructed Merchant vessels owned
and operated by MSC. Today, we have those original ships plus the addition of
the 3 MPF Enhancement ships (added to the program in the early 2000s), that
provided additional square foot space for the NMCB equipment, the FH and the
EAF. In the future the MPF(F) will consist of 3 squadrons encompassing a 14
ship MPF(F) squadron and 2 legacy squadrons. Between now and 2015 we are
bridging the gap with adding the LMSRs to the MPF program over the next 3 years.

The transition from MPF to MPF(E) was evolutionary. The transition from MPF(E)
to MPF(F) is revolutionary, representing a break from how we do business today.

(Slide 25)

Although capable and still relevant, today’s prepositioning equipment come on

densely packed ships that must be offloaded at a port, and require significant
investments in Host Nation Support and force protection ashore.

(Slide 26)

As the slide indicates, the MPF(F) will provide several significant capabilities
compared to today’s prepositioning force, MPF. MPF(F) offers a rapid response
option with enhanced access in restricted access environments, arrival and
assembly of combat forces at sea, employment of “combat ready” forces from OTH,
and persistent sustainment of forces operating ashore. All important
capabilities not inherent in today’s MPF squadron

(Slide 27)

Acting SecNav, CNO, and CMC agreed on 24 May 2005 that the MPF(F) squadron would
be comprised of these hull forms. The planned Squadron would consist of 14
vessels to support the future MEB capabilities on previous slide. This mix of
vessels is based on existing hull form designs in order to minimize cost and
production schedule risk when compared to clean-sheet designs and construction.

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The Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) is the only clean sheet design; however, it is
based on current Float on Float Off technology that is used in the commercial
sector. This technology was recently demonstrated when a commercial vessel
modified to resemble a MLP performed skin to skin transfer of cargo with an
existing Watson class LMSR.

Recent discussions with Navy counterparts reveal that the LMSR’s may be sourced
from Army’s planned divestiture of some of their afloat prepositioned stocks,
and that DASN ships is proposing to convert an existing LHD to a prepositioning
ship ~2015 once a new-construction LHA(R) is built.

These vessels will closely resemble their current sister ships with some
modifications to support the Concept Of Employment and Maritime Sealift Command
(MSC) crewing and operations.

(Slide 28)

The LHA(R) would replace the LHA 1 class of amphibious assault ships, and would
have the flexibility to operate in the traditional role as the flagship for an
Expeditionary Strike Group, as well as potentially playing a key role in the
maritime pre-positioning force future (MPF(F)). As the Navy's Seabasing plan
matures, the flexibility to operate with the Expeditionary Strike Group and as
part of the MPF(F) will make the LHA(R) a vital cog in the Sea Base. LHA(R)
would be a variant of the gas turbine-powered LHD 8. The one key difference of
LHA(R) from LHD 8 was that it would be an aviation-enhanced assault ship
tailored for the US Marine Corps future Aviation Combat Element centered on the
STOVL F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and the tilt-rotor V-22 Osprey.

The LHA replacement modifies the LHD design to maximize support for the V-22,
the CH-53, and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, with adequate service margins for
growth. The biggest change brought about in the Global War on Terror is LHA(R).
The aviation specific variant of the LHA(R) has no well deck, but an enlarged
hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a
significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and
increased aviation fuel capacity. LHA 6 would be multi-functional and versatile,
modifying existing Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence
(C4I) spaces to allow for flexible mission dependent reconfiguration

(Slide 29)

LHDs conduct prompt, sustained combat operations at sea as the centerpiece of

the Navy's amphibious strategy of "Forward Presence From the Sea." They provide
the means to deliver command and support all elements of a Marine Landing Force
in an assault by air and amphibious craft. In carrying out their mission, the
ships have the option of utilizing various combinations of helicopters, Harrier
II (AV-8B) Jump Jets and air cushion landing craft (LCAC), as well as
conventional landing craft and assault vehicles, illustrating the LHD's
flexibility. The LHD l has an enhanced well deck, enabling it to carry three
LCACs (vice one LCAC in the LHAs). The flight deck and elevator scheme is also
improved, which allows the ship to carry two more helicopters than its
predecessor, the LHA.

(Slide 30)

Pedestal cranes and both side and stern ramps mean that the LMSR is ideally
suited for undeveloped ports or logistics over the shore. LMSR's huge, six-deck

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interior has a cargo carrying capacity of approximately 393,000 square feet,

equivalent to greater than eight football fields. The ship's decks have ample
open space for lashing down helicopters, tanks, trucks and other large vehicles.
A slewing-stern ramp and a moveable side-port ramp make it easy to drive
vehicles on and off the ship -- speeding loading and off-loading operations to
just 96 hours total per ship. Two 110-ton single pedestal-twin cranes make it
possible to load and unload cargo where shoreside infrastructure is limited or
nonexistent

(Slide 31)

Mobile Landing Platforms, or MLPs, are being developed to facilitate at-sea

cargo transfers. A platform that partially submerges in water and allows cargo
to float on and off of it, the MLP is essentially a "beach" that links a roll-
on/roll-off cargo ship to small, barge-like watercraft that can deliver the
equipment from the sea base ashore.

The Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) is a 34,544 MT displacement carrier for LCACs
[Landing Craft Air Cushion]. It would also function as a staging position for
doing some of the assembly of forces. The MLP would be a troop carrier, carrying
1,112 Marines, and a place where forces could be matched with their equipment
before being transported ashore on LCACs or via aviation assets. The ships would
be about 800 feet (250 meters) long and built to commercial standards, with a
maximum speed of about 20 knots.

(Slide 32)

This slide shows the only clean sheet, newly designed ship in the MPFF squadron.
The Mobile Landing Platform is based on Float On/Float Off or FLO/FLO commercial
ships design concepts.

This ship’s current concept includes the primary characteristics you see on this
slide.

The ship is being designed to interface with MPF(F), LMSRs, and Landing Craft
Air Cushion (LCACs) through sea state 3/4, but other platforms like Army LMSRs,
Army and Naval Landing Craft Utility (LCUs), could easily leverage the ship as
an interface for loading as well.

(Slide 33)

The Vehicle Transfer System (VTS) is the primary system to transfer vehicles and
personnel from the LMSRs to the MLPs underway. There will be 1 VTS per MLP (no
redundancy) and analysis suggests that the it should be able to conduct 24 hour
operations in a SS of 3.

(Slide 34)

Mobile Landing Platforms, or MLPs, are being developed to facilitate at-sea

cargo transfers. A platform that partially submerges in water and allows cargo
to float on and off of it, the MLP is essentially a "beach" that links a roll-
on/roll-off cargo ship to small, barge-like watercraft that can deliver the
equipment from the sea base ashore.

Since both MPF(F) ships and MLPs are in the early development stages, the
demonstration used MSC-chartered heavy lift ship MV Mighty Servant I as the at-

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sea platform. MV Mighty Servant I, a float-on/float-off ship designed to

submerge in the water, is used to transport large, unwieldy cargo like drydocks,
vessels and oil rigs. The ship's open deck made it an ideal landing platform for
this demonstration. The 950-foot large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship USNS
Watkins stood-in as the MPF(F) seabasing cargo ship.

(Slide 35)

A Landing Craft Air Cushion, or LCAC, flies onto the flat deck of heavy lift
ship MV Mighty Servant I to load equipment and supplies for transport to shore
during a Mobile Landing Platform demonstration near San Diego.

(Slide 36)

The dry cargo/ammunition ships are operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift
Command and provide multi-product combat logistics support to the Navy fleet.
USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1), the class lead ship, is a new Combat Logistics
Force (CLF) underway replenishment vessel intended to replace the current
capability of the Kilauea-class (T-AE 26) ammunition ships and Mars-class (T-AFS
1) combat stores ships The T-AKE program calls for up to 14 ships, three of
which are expected to be part of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future), and
has a budget of more than $6 billion.

As an auxiliary support ship, T-AKEs directly contribute to the ability of the

Navy to maintain a forward presence. In its primary mission role, the T-AKE
provides logistic lift to deliver cargo (ammunition, food, limited quantities of
fuel, repair parts, ship store items, and expendable supplies and material) to
U.S. and allied Navy ships at sea. In its secondary mission, the T-AKE may
operate in concert with a Henry J. Kaiser-class (T-AO 187) oiler as a substitute
station ship to provide direct logistics support to the ships within a Carrier
Battle Group.

(Slide 37)

And finally, there will be 2 Legacy MPF ships (most likely Bobo class ships- as
they were build specifically for the MPF Program)

(Slide 38)

Connectors. A connector provides the capability to rapidly deploy selected

portions of the force that can immediately transition to execution, even in the
absence of developed infrastructure, and conduct deployment and sustainment
activities in support of multiple simultaneous, distributed, decentralized
battles and campaigns. Examples are the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) and the
Joint Maritime Amphibious Connector (JMAC).

The JHSV provides a high speed intra-theater surface connector capability to

rapidly deploy selected portions of the Joint Force. JHSV are capable of
transporting personnel, equipment and supplies over operational distances in
support of maneuver and sustainment operations. The JHSV has a flight deck for
helicopter operations and an off-load ramp that allows vehicles to quickly drive
off the ship. The ramp is suitable for the types of austere piers and quay walls
common in developing countries. The JHSV would also be shallow draft (under 15
feet) that would further enhance access by enabling the JHSV to operate in
shallow waters. These requirements would make the JHSV an extremely flexible
asset able to support of a wide range of operations including maneuver and

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sustainment, relief operations in small or damaged ports, flexible logistics

support, or as the key enabler for rapid transport.

JHSV Capabilities:

a. 600-700 ST payload, 1200 NM range

b. 35 kts, Sea State 3

c. Seating for 312 Marines

d. Slewing ramp (40 degrees forward)

f. Flight deck for H-60s

(Slide 39)

The JMAC will serve as a tactical assault connector from the Sea Base to the beach and between sea
base platforms. The JMAC program will be introduced FY 2015 and will replace the LCAC Service
Life Extension Program (SLEP), to be retired by FY 2018, and will take advantage of advanced
technology, materials, and design and so enhance the nation’s ability to project expeditionary forces
from the sea-based platforms of the future.

JMAC Capabilities:

a. 25 NM or lesss

b. Sea State 3

c. Operates independent of tides, water depth, underwater obstacles

(Slide 40)

Are there any questions on MPF(F), Seabasing, or anything that we have discussed
up to this point? If not, then let’s move on to MPF(F) planning considerations.

(Slide 41)

MPF(F) Planning Considerations:

Preposition the MEB (1 Air and 2 Surface Battalions [selective offload])

Close a MEB in 10-14 days

At Sea Arrival and Assembly in 24-72 Hours

Employ one Surface Battalion and one Vertical Battalion in 8-10 hours

Sustain the forces ashore from the Sea Base

Provide Level II (resuscitative surgery) medical support

Conduct external operations in Sea State 3 threshold/Sea State 4 objective

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MEB C2

Notional 2015 MEB changes

MEB Equipment List

MEB ACE revised to include JSF and MV-22.

We will discuss the Notional MEB changes in the next 2 slides.

(Slide 42)

Here is the current and future Notional MPF personnel and Major PEI breakdown.
What are the major differences between the two?

A) More equipment

B) New equipment

(Slide 43)

Here is the breakdown of the RW/FW aircraft as part of the Notional MPF MEB.
The MPF MAGTF Aviation Combat Element (ACE) is composed of a fixed wing and a
rotary wing component. The Marine Corps aviation plan would substitute 5
squadrons (60 aircraft) of VSTOL Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) for the two F/A-
18A/B (12 plane), one F/A-18D (12 plane), and one AV-8B (20 plane) squadrons.
The KC-130 and EA-6B aircraft remain as in today's ACE. Similarly three
squadrons (36 total aircraft) of MV-22 aircraft are substituted for the two CH-
46 (12 plane) and one CH-53D (8 plane) helicopter squadrons. The CH-53E heavy
lift helicopter squadron and the attack and utility helicopters remain. The AH-
1W and UH-1N helicopters are upgraded to 4 bladed rotors, increasing range and
payload.

(Slide 44)

Similar to Legacy MPF Operations, MPF(F) operations also consists of five

phases. They are Close, Arrival and Assembly, Employment, Sustainment and
Reconstitution. I will briefly discuss each of these.

(Slide 45)

What do you think Closing the Force Entails?

A) During this phase, the task organized force deploys from multiple
locations.

B) Elements of the main body will close with the MPF(F) squadron via
strategic airlift through the advanced base and/or arrive directly to the
sea base via strategic lift while the MPF(F) squadron is underway and
conduct an at-sea transfer

C) Advance elements of the force, to include naval supporting elements, form

an Employment Preparation Party (EPP) that immediately deploys to the sea
base to prepare for Arrival and Assembly of the Fly in Echelon (FIE) and
main body.

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D) Intra-theater high speed connectors such as JHSV and other theater air and
surface assets may be employed to support movement of personnel and
equipment from the advanced base to the sea base

(Slide 46)

Next we have Arrival and Assembly at Sea (this is where you marshal,
operationally configure the gear, and stage it)

(Slide 47)

The arrival and assembly phase begins with the receipt of warning order at the
preposition site through completion of cross decking personnel, equipment, and
supplies aboard the MLPs.

During this phase the Employment Preparation Party (EPP) conducts marshalling
operations in preparation for employment.

Once the equipment is operationally configured, it will be cross-decked from the

LMSRs to the MLPs, and staged on the MLPs for employment.

(Slide 48)

And who does all of these things?

The EPP embarks and conducts marshalling operations in preparation for

employment.

What kinds of things need to be prepared?

EPP Responsibilities:

A) Locating, identifying, and preparing equipment and supplies for employment

B) Conducting mobile loading and vehicle marriages

C) Validating weights

D Placarding

What are some of the main differences between and EPP and an OPP?

A) Movement to debarkation points, and get things ready to be staged in

landing serials and On-Call waves

B) Assist in receiving the FIE

C) Not just unchalking chains and start-ups any more. Making equipment
Combat ready.

D) They only have ~72-96 hours just like OPP.

Intra-theater high speed connectors such as JHSV and other theater air and
surface assets may be employed to support movement of personnel and equipment
from the advanced base to the sea base.

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(Slide 49)

Next we have the Employment Phase.

(Slide 50)

During this phase the MLPs will need to come in from the Outer Sea Echelon Area
(110-75 NM) to the LOD (25 NM) to deploy LCACs and EFVs

(Slide 51)

Once scheduled LCAC serials have landed in the initial surface assault, the MLPs
will return to the LMSRs to cross–deck and load other surface-delivered units
(including elements of the 2nd BLT if required) per the landing plan.

Two definitons that need to be explained are the Sea Base Maneuver Element
(SBME) and Sea Base Support Element (SBSE).

1. The SBME will be employed ashore from the sea base. The SBME units may
stay ashore, or may be recovered for reinsertion into the same fight, or
redeployment to another fight, for as many iterations as mission
requirements dictate.

1. The SBSE personnel will normally be employed on the sea base. Portions of
the SBSE will attach to the SBME for varying periods ashore, as required
(i.e. a mobile contact team).

This is how we “put the teeth ashore, while the tail remains out at sea”
Fighting force (or only the necessary force ashore) with required support
personnel back at the sea base protected by the Sea Shield capability.

(click once) alligator appears

(Slide 52)

The LHD/LHA(R) ships will maneuver to positions that will support the employment
of the vertical assault BLT. The vertical assault may occur simultaneously with
the surface assault, or separated by time, per the operation order.The LHD can
also close to the LOD and by virtue of its well deck provide an immediately
employable mechanized infantry rifle company (reinforced) which includes an EFV
platoon, a Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) platoon and/or a tank platoon.

The LMSRs and MLPs may be used as aircraft staging and refueling platforms (lily
pads) as needed.

(Slide 53)

The fourth phase of MPF(F) is Sustainment.

(Slide 54)

Not only will the MPF(F) send the 2015 MEB ashore with a combat load but it will
also be able to supply that MEB with 20-45 DOS. Beyond that it will be able to
tap into Joint and Navy logistics pipelines. MPF(F) will have Connected
Replenishment (CONREP) where the ships can maneuver alongside and receive fuel,

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stores, ammunition, food and personnel. They can also receive the same products
(except fuel) through helicopter delivery (Vertical Replishment (VERTREP)). And
finally the MPF (F) can do skin-to-skin cargo transfer.

Sea Basing will support persistent joint operations afloat and ashore by
continuously sustaining forces via flexible and responsive Integrated Naval
Logistics chain. The idea is to minimize the establishment of a relatively
immobile “Iron Mountain” MPF(F) will link to the strategic/theater, Naval/Joint
logistics pipeline for persistent sustainment. MPF(F) will interface with the
JHSV intra-theater connector, combat logistics force (CLF), and other Sealift
assets.

Picture on the lower left is the T-AKE, a new Combat Logistics Force (CLF)
Underway Replenishment Naval vessel

(Slide 55)

MPF(F) will have the ability to reconstitute a brigade at sea following

operations ashore. The level of reconstitution will be driven by available
resources and operational requirements.

(Slide 56)

When possible, reconstitution will be conducted ashore due to space and time
requirements. Afloat reconstitution for major end items is

achievable, but more time consuming. Given the complexity of reconstituting a

force and its capabilities, this effort is broken down into

four “levels of effort”, in order to provide commanders with the flexibility

necessary to conduct concurrent operations: Immediate, Rapid,

Deliberate and Regeneration.

(Slide 57)

All 4 levels of reconstitution can be differentiated by the level of combat

capability they attain and the amount of time it takes to complete this phase.
See the suggested criteria and timeline above.

(Slide 58)

SUMMARY (1 MIN)

This handout has highlighted the overall concept and planning considerations of
seabasing and MPF(F). During this lesson we discussed: Seabasing, the
definition of a sea base, as well as the characteristics and five phases of
MPF(F).

If there are no questions, then let’s take a 10 minute break.

REFERENCES:
1. MCWP 3-32/NWP 3-02.3, Maritime Prepositioning Force Operations
2. Naval Transformation Roadmap

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3. Joint Publication 1-02

4. Sea basing Integration Division Brief, Program Review, March
2008
5.
ATTACHMENTS:

None.

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