Note: Team, my ERB post from Monday generated a lot of interest and comments due to the importance of the topic. Although I am keeping to my regular drumbeat of posts (beginning with this one), I will definitely keep the ERB thread open to continue our discussion; I’ll check your comments regularly and do my best to respond to your questions and concerns.
All the best, JCHjr
Team,
Last week I had the great privilege of being the guest of honor at the II MEF Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (my remarks are here). This event was indeed truly memorable for me and I was greatly honored to participate. I was able to spend a terrific evening with the Marines at the very heart of the Marine Corps, Camp Lejeune.
I took advantage of my time in Camp Lajeune to meet with the 2D Marine Logistic Group (MLG) to receive a brief from the Bold Alligator logistics team and do some prep work for the upcoming exercise. I was particularly interested in this brief because logistics will be squarely at the center of nearly everything we do during Bold Alligator 2012.
The public debate on large-scale amphibious operations today tends to be focused on the relevance of the opposed landing ashore, but BA12 will be much more about demonstrating our uniquely Naval, rpt Naval, ability to establish a sea base and conduct and sustain a wide range of expeditionary operations from the sea. While we have this expeditionary sea-basing capability today (as the Navy-Marine Corps Team amply demonstrated during the Haiti earthquake relief operation in 2010), this exercise will be broader in nature and serve as an opportunity to test our ability to plan and execute these extensive operations with the forces we have today.
With all the anxiety over the inevitable cuts to our budget, there is no shortage of so-called “experts” predicting with great certainty the future of armed conflict for the next 20 years. In my experience, these predictions are generally 100% wrong almost 100% of the time and it is for this reason that we must stay focused on the missions that we must be able to execute today with the forces that we have today. This is what BA12 is all about.
Thanks again to LtGen Jay Paxton and the II MEF Marines for allowing me to participate in their Birthday Ball – it was indeed an honor for me to spend the evening with them and celebrate the 236th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
All the best, Happy Birthday Marines and Semper Fidelis, JCHjr
Showing posts with label Expeditionary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Expeditionary. Show all posts
16 November 2011
04 October 2011
Military Sealift Command (MSC) – Our Navy’s “Other” Fleet
Team,
I’ve talked at length here about all the missions our deployed Sailors are executing around the clock, around the world every day. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the quality of our Sailors and the superiority of our technology make our Navy today the greatest the world has ever known, but most of what they do would simply not be possible without one of our lesser known, but absolutely critical fleets – our Military Sealift Command (MSC).
Military Sealift Command (MSC) operates approximately 114 noncombatant ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by our deployed forces and coalition partners. In addition to the 114 active ships, MSC has a Ready Reserve Force of about 50 additional ships owned and maintained in reduced operating status by the U.S. Maritime Administration that can be activated (and operationally controlled by MSC) in as little as four, five, 10 or 20 days.
MSC is organized around four mission areas:
Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force (NFAF)
NFAF ships directly support Navy combatants, enabling the fleet to stay at sea, on station and combat ready. NFAF ships replenish ships underway with food, fuel, spare parts and ammunition. In fiscal year 2010 alone, MSC delivered 8.0 million square feet of dry cargo and 2.7 billion gallons of fuel to our deployed units.
NFAF also operates our Navy's two hospital ships – USNS COMFORT AND USNS MERCY. COMFORT AND MERCY each contain 12 operating rooms and a 1,000-bed hospital facility. When called into action, they can get underway in five days with a crew of more than 60 civil service mariners and 1,200 military medical personnel. The distinctive white ships with the Red Cross prominently painted on the hull serve as a symbol of peace and health to the hundreds of thousands around the world who have received care from our medical personnel.
Special Mission
MSC's Special Mission ships provide a wide variety of highly specialized ocean-going platforms for missions that include oceanographic and coastal surveying, ocean surveillance, missile-tracking, cable-laying and repair and deep submergence recovery. Military and civilian scientists and technicians carry out the unique missions of these various ships, which are operated by MSC employees and contract mariners.
Prepositioning
MSC's Afloat Prepositioning Force allows U.S. military forces to deploy rapidly anywhere in the world to meet fast-breaking contingencies. These ships, strategically prepositioned around the globe, are loaded with equipment and supplies for the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy and Defense Logistics Agency.
Sealift
MSC operates Sealift ships that include government-owned and short- and long-term charter tankers and dry cargo ships that transport Department of Defense cargo during peacetime and war. During contingencies, MSC uses her surge sealift fleet, which can be rapidly loaded with equipment and supplies and deployed where needed.
MSC is unique in that it is a military command but all of its ships are crewed by Civilians (with some using small embarked military detachments). I’ve visited some of our MSC units in the past (e.g. see here for my USNS SACAGAWEA visit) and can tell you that I was extremely impressed with the knowledge of the Civilian crews – from the Captain on the bridge to the CHENG down below they are very skilled and complete professionals.
Just about every operation we carry out today is made possible by our MSC ships.
In the CENTCOM AOR today, our MSC ships keep our ships, submarines and aircraft replenished while our Sailors conduct combat operations in Afghanistan.
When our Navy was called upon to help the nation of Haiti after she had been struck by an 7.0 magnitude earthquake in early 2010, our medical teams embarked on USNS COMFORT saved thousands of lives, the maritime prepositioning ship USNS 1ST LT. JACK LUMMUS (T-AK-3011) showed that our LOTS capability was, in fact, a very real capability, and our Sailors turned GTMO into a logistics hub and used MSC ships to deliver critical supplies to our ships supporting the relief effort.
Whether replenishing our forces supporting combat operations over Afghanistan and Libya, participating in exercises in the Pacific, or delivering relief to tens of thousands of people affected by the earthquake in Haiti, our MSC ships can always be counted on to be there – on station and ready to support. The Navy’s Military Sealift Command makes our global Navy truly global and ensures we can sustain our Navy anywhere in the world for as long as necessary. All the best, JCHjr
I’ve talked at length here about all the missions our deployed Sailors are executing around the clock, around the world every day. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the quality of our Sailors and the superiority of our technology make our Navy today the greatest the world has ever known, but most of what they do would simply not be possible without one of our lesser known, but absolutely critical fleets – our Military Sealift Command (MSC).
Military Sealift Command (MSC) operates approximately 114 noncombatant ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by our deployed forces and coalition partners. In addition to the 114 active ships, MSC has a Ready Reserve Force of about 50 additional ships owned and maintained in reduced operating status by the U.S. Maritime Administration that can be activated (and operationally controlled by MSC) in as little as four, five, 10 or 20 days.
MSC is organized around four mission areas:
Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force (NFAF)
NFAF ships directly support Navy combatants, enabling the fleet to stay at sea, on station and combat ready. NFAF ships replenish ships underway with food, fuel, spare parts and ammunition. In fiscal year 2010 alone, MSC delivered 8.0 million square feet of dry cargo and 2.7 billion gallons of fuel to our deployed units.
NFAF also operates our Navy's two hospital ships – USNS COMFORT AND USNS MERCY. COMFORT AND MERCY each contain 12 operating rooms and a 1,000-bed hospital facility. When called into action, they can get underway in five days with a crew of more than 60 civil service mariners and 1,200 military medical personnel. The distinctive white ships with the Red Cross prominently painted on the hull serve as a symbol of peace and health to the hundreds of thousands around the world who have received care from our medical personnel.
Special Mission
MSC's Special Mission ships provide a wide variety of highly specialized ocean-going platforms for missions that include oceanographic and coastal surveying, ocean surveillance, missile-tracking, cable-laying and repair and deep submergence recovery. Military and civilian scientists and technicians carry out the unique missions of these various ships, which are operated by MSC employees and contract mariners.
Prepositioning
MSC's Afloat Prepositioning Force allows U.S. military forces to deploy rapidly anywhere in the world to meet fast-breaking contingencies. These ships, strategically prepositioned around the globe, are loaded with equipment and supplies for the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy and Defense Logistics Agency.
Sealift
MSC operates Sealift ships that include government-owned and short- and long-term charter tankers and dry cargo ships that transport Department of Defense cargo during peacetime and war. During contingencies, MSC uses her surge sealift fleet, which can be rapidly loaded with equipment and supplies and deployed where needed.
MSC is unique in that it is a military command but all of its ships are crewed by Civilians (with some using small embarked military detachments). I’ve visited some of our MSC units in the past (e.g. see here for my USNS SACAGAWEA visit) and can tell you that I was extremely impressed with the knowledge of the Civilian crews – from the Captain on the bridge to the CHENG down below they are very skilled and complete professionals.
Just about every operation we carry out today is made possible by our MSC ships.
In the CENTCOM AOR today, our MSC ships keep our ships, submarines and aircraft replenished while our Sailors conduct combat operations in Afghanistan.
When our Navy was called upon to help the nation of Haiti after she had been struck by an 7.0 magnitude earthquake in early 2010, our medical teams embarked on USNS COMFORT saved thousands of lives, the maritime prepositioning ship USNS 1ST LT. JACK LUMMUS (T-AK-3011) showed that our LOTS capability was, in fact, a very real capability, and our Sailors turned GTMO into a logistics hub and used MSC ships to deliver critical supplies to our ships supporting the relief effort.
Whether replenishing our forces supporting combat operations over Afghanistan and Libya, participating in exercises in the Pacific, or delivering relief to tens of thousands of people affected by the earthquake in Haiti, our MSC ships can always be counted on to be there – on station and ready to support. The Navy’s Military Sealift Command makes our global Navy truly global and ensures we can sustain our Navy anywhere in the world for as long as necessary. All the best, JCHjr
07 April 2011
Bold Alligator 2012 Reading Program – Progress Report
Team,
Below is the chart I am using to keep track of my progress as I work through the Bold Alligator 2012 reading program I put together and sent out last month. I think I’ve gotten off to a good start and hope you’ve been able to do the same. I’m very interested in your thoughts as you finish any of these books, so please be sure to leave me your comments below.
I intend to update this chart as I complete each book, so if you want to keep track of how I’m doing, and keep pace with me, you can follow the “BA’12 Reading Program” link in the right margin under my “Commander’s Links.”
You can download a copy of "Eagles and Alligators" here.
All the best, JCHjr
Below is the chart I am using to keep track of my progress as I work through the Bold Alligator 2012 reading program I put together and sent out last month. I think I’ve gotten off to a good start and hope you’ve been able to do the same. I’m very interested in your thoughts as you finish any of these books, so please be sure to leave me your comments below.
I intend to update this chart as I complete each book, so if you want to keep track of how I’m doing, and keep pace with me, you can follow the “BA’12 Reading Program” link in the right margin under my “Commander’s Links.”
You can download a copy of "Eagles and Alligators" here.
All the best, JCHjr
28 March 2011
Our Global Navy
Team,
Whenever I think about our Navy and what we deliver for our nation, the same three words always come to mind – READY, RESPONSIVE, and RELEVANT. Recent events in Libya demonstrate the fundamental truth of those words.
With very little advance notice, our ships and aircraft were placed in position to deliver effects ashore in support of our national objectives, from Tomahawk strikes to knock down the Libyan air defense network to launching the quick reaction TRAP mission from KEARSARGE to rescue downed aviators.
At the very same time, half a world away, the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet is leading the effort delivering humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Japan in response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami as well as providing assistance in recovering from the nuclear accidents that occurred in the wake of the natural disasters. The same words apply in relief efforts for Japan – our naval forces were READY, RESPONSIVE, and RELEVANT.
The types of ships we’re using for those vastly different missions are very similar – Amphibious Ready Groups with embarked Marine forces, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers capable of launching Tomahawks or helos with food and water, and MSC ships supplying the logistics support to keep our ships at sea indefinitely. Built into our ships is the flexibility and agility to respond to a wide variety of missions enabled by the fundamental fact that our Navy is truly expeditionary and routinely forward-deployed around the globe.
Think about what else is going on in addition to Operation ODYSSEY DAWN and Operation TOMODACHI – we have two Carrier Strike Groups in the NAVCENT AOR supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, our SSBN force is deployed to the Atlantic and Pacific conducting strategic nuclear deterrent patrols (as they have for over 50 years), USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7) is deployed in support of PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2011 to sustain our strategic relationships with a host of nations in the South and South West Pacific Ocean areas, USS STEPHEN W. GROVES (FFG 29) and USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49) are deployed in support of Africa Partnership Station and the USNS COMFORT will soon depart Norfolk in support of Operation CONTINUING PROMISE to conduct a wide array of humanitarian operations and partner capacity building exercises throughout Central and South America.
Our Navy – a global force, routinely forward-deployed and inherently expeditionary – executing the key tenets of our Maritime Strategy every day.
Our Navy – a READY, RESPONSIVE, and RELEVANT force – able to operate across the spectrum of conflict because of the professionalism, initiative and quality of our PEOPLE.
And now our challenge – sustaining this expeditionary capability to respond globally, rapidly and effectively to whatever mission comes our way. We must ensure our ships, submarines and aircraft are well-maintained, our magazines and parts lockers are full, and our Sailors are well-trained despite the nation’s ongoing fiscal crisis and the inevitable impact this crisis will have on our operations and maintenance funding over the next three years.
Just as our Sailors and our forces are up to the missions they’ve been given, so must we be up to the challenge to sustain our Navy into the future and ensure we remain READY, RESPONSIVE, and RELEVANT in this chaotic and violent world.
All the best, JCHjr
Whenever I think about our Navy and what we deliver for our nation, the same three words always come to mind – READY, RESPONSIVE, and RELEVANT. Recent events in Libya demonstrate the fundamental truth of those words.
With very little advance notice, our ships and aircraft were placed in position to deliver effects ashore in support of our national objectives, from Tomahawk strikes to knock down the Libyan air defense network to launching the quick reaction TRAP mission from KEARSARGE to rescue downed aviators.
At the very same time, half a world away, the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet is leading the effort delivering humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Japan in response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami as well as providing assistance in recovering from the nuclear accidents that occurred in the wake of the natural disasters. The same words apply in relief efforts for Japan – our naval forces were READY, RESPONSIVE, and RELEVANT.
The types of ships we’re using for those vastly different missions are very similar – Amphibious Ready Groups with embarked Marine forces, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers capable of launching Tomahawks or helos with food and water, and MSC ships supplying the logistics support to keep our ships at sea indefinitely. Built into our ships is the flexibility and agility to respond to a wide variety of missions enabled by the fundamental fact that our Navy is truly expeditionary and routinely forward-deployed around the globe.
Think about what else is going on in addition to Operation ODYSSEY DAWN and Operation TOMODACHI – we have two Carrier Strike Groups in the NAVCENT AOR supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, our SSBN force is deployed to the Atlantic and Pacific conducting strategic nuclear deterrent patrols (as they have for over 50 years), USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7) is deployed in support of PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP 2011 to sustain our strategic relationships with a host of nations in the South and South West Pacific Ocean areas, USS STEPHEN W. GROVES (FFG 29) and USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49) are deployed in support of Africa Partnership Station and the USNS COMFORT will soon depart Norfolk in support of Operation CONTINUING PROMISE to conduct a wide array of humanitarian operations and partner capacity building exercises throughout Central and South America.
Our Navy – a global force, routinely forward-deployed and inherently expeditionary – executing the key tenets of our Maritime Strategy every day.
Our Navy – a READY, RESPONSIVE, and RELEVANT force – able to operate across the spectrum of conflict because of the professionalism, initiative and quality of our PEOPLE.
And now our challenge – sustaining this expeditionary capability to respond globally, rapidly and effectively to whatever mission comes our way. We must ensure our ships, submarines and aircraft are well-maintained, our magazines and parts lockers are full, and our Sailors are well-trained despite the nation’s ongoing fiscal crisis and the inevitable impact this crisis will have on our operations and maintenance funding over the next three years.
Just as our Sailors and our forces are up to the missions they’ve been given, so must we be up to the challenge to sustain our Navy into the future and ensure we remain READY, RESPONSIVE, and RELEVANT in this chaotic and violent world.
All the best, JCHjr
09 March 2011
Bold Alligator 2012 Reading Program
Team,
The message below captures my intent with Bold Alligator 2012 (BA 12) as well as establishes the personal reading program I will complete over the coming year to refresh my knowledge and build on my understanding of amphibious operations history, doctrine, and tactics. While not mandatory, I believe this reading list forms the basis of a strong professional reading program, regardless of the level of your participation in BA 12, and so I encourage you to read some or all of my recommendations below and discuss your observations with me here.
You can read the message below or download a copy here.
All the best, JCHjr
FM COMUSFLTFORCOM NORFOLK VA//N00//
TO ALFLTFORCOM
BT
UNCLAS PERSONAL FOR COMMANDERS, COMMANDING OFFICERS, OFFICERS-IN-CHARGE, AND COMMAND MASTER CHIEFS FROM ADM HARVEY
SECINFO/-/-//MSGID/GENADMIN/COMUSFLTFORCOM NORFOLK VA/N00/MAR//SUBJ/AMPHIBIOUS AND EXPEDITIONARY OPERATIONS READING PROGRAM//GENTEXT/REMARKS/
A LARGE-SCALE OPERATION TO EXERCISE THE NAVY-MARINE CORPS' ABILITY TO CONDUCT PROMPT AND SUSTAINED AMPHIBIOUS EXPEDITIONARY OPERATIONS FROM THE SEA, A FUNDAMENTAL CORE COMPETENCY FOR US, HAS NOT OCCURRED IN THE LAST TEN YEARS BECAUSE OF OUR FOCUS ON OPERATIONS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS CORE COMPETENCY NOR THE FACT THAT THIS COMPETENCY IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A UNIQUE CAPABILITY DELIVERED BY THE NAVY/MARINE CORPS TEAM.
2. TO THAT END, I HAVE DIRECTED THAT EXERCISE BOLD ALLIGATOR SERVE AS OUR PRIMARY OPERATIONAL ORGANIZING PRINCIPLE FOR THIS YEAR TO CULMINATE IN BOLD ALLIGATOR 2012 (BA 12), WHICH WILL BE THE LARGEST PAGE 02 RUCBCLF0050 UNCLAS PERSONAL FOR COMMANDERS, COMMANDING OFFICE AMPHIBIOUS EXERCISE CONDUCTED BY THE FLEET IN THE LAST TEN YEARS. THE PURPOSE OF THIS EXERCISE IS TO REVISIT NAVY/MARINE CORPS AMPHIBIOUS EXPEDITIONARY TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES AND REINVIGORATE OUR CULTURE OF CONDUCTING COMBINED NAVY/MARINE CORPS OPERATIONS FROM THE SEA. I WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT BA 12 WILL BE A MAJOR FLEET EXERCISE, NOT SIMPLY ANOTHER ARG/MEU EVENT.
3. AS WE BEGIN PLANNING FOR BA 12, IT IS APPARENT TO ME THAT OUR COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE, WHICH CERTAINLY INCLUDES MY KNOWLEDGE, OF AMPHIBIOUS EXPEDITIONARY OPERATIONS HAS ERODED OVER TIME. TO ENSURE I AM FULLY READY FOR BA 12, I HAVE ESTABLISHED A PERSONAL READING PROGRAM THAT I ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AS WELL FOR YOUR OWN BENEFIT AND THAT OF YOUR UNIT. THIS READING LIST IS VOLUNTARY, AND WILL NOT BE MADE MANDATORY, BUT I TRULY BELIEVE IT CAN FORM THE BASIS OF A STRONG PROFESSIONAL READING PROGRAM, REGARDLESS OF THE LEVEL OF YOUR PARTICIPATION IN BA 12. MY READING PROGRAM CONTAINS FOUR BOOKS THAT CAN BE READ WITHIN A YEAR WITH ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED READINGS FOCUSED ON SPECIFIC AREAS OF AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS, TO INCLUDE DOCTRINE AND TACTICS.
3.A. CORE LIST: CURRENT DOCTRINE AND AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS IN A MODERN ENVIRONMENT
3.A.1. JOINT PUBLICATION 3-02 (JP 3-02) AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS (10 AUG 2009) JP 3-02 IS THE CURRENT DOCTRINE FOR AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS. THIS DOCTRINE PROVIDES THE FRAME OF REFERENCE FOR READING SUBSEQUENT BOOKS ON AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS AND THEIR HISTORY. READERS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
3.A.1.A. ASK YOURSELF HOW YOUR UNIT, COMMAND OR SPECIALTY FITS INTO THE FRAMEWORK OF AN AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION. FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR MARITIME INTELLIGENCE REQUIREMENTS? HOW WOULD AN AMPHIBIOUS TASK FORCE TIE INTO A CARRIER STRIKE GROUP AND EXECUTE COMPOSITE WARFARE?
3.A.1.B. READ WITH AN EYE TOWARDS HOW THIS DOCTRINE FITS IN WITH OVERALL JFMCC/FLEET DOCTRINE AS CONTAINED IN JP 3-32 COMMAND AND CONTROL FOR JOINT MARITIME OPERATIONS AND NWP 3-32 MARITIME OPERATIONS AT THE OPERATIONAL LEVEL OF WAR.
3.A.2. THE 1982 FALKLANDS CONFLICT BETWEEN THE UK AND ARGENTINA FEATURED AN AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION CARRIED OUT BY A MODERN MARITIME FORCE UNDER A SIGNIFICANT THREAT FROM CONVENTIONAL AIR-DELIVERED ORDNANCE WITHOUT AIR SUPERIORITY IN THE AOA. WHILE TECHNOLOGY HAS ADVANCED SINCE 1982, MANY OF THE WARFIGHTING ISSUES WE FACE TODAY ARE SIMILIAR IN NATURE TO WHAT THE UK FORCES FACED WHILE PROJECTING FORCES ASHORE AT THE END OF A LONG AND COMPLEX LOGISTICAL PIPELINE IN A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT. BELOW ARE MEMOIRS BY THE THREE CRITICAL UK MARITIME COMMANDERS IN THIS CONFLICT - READ THESE THREE BOOKS AND COMPARE THE PERSPECTIVES AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM EACH. ADDITIONALLY, READ WITH AN EYE TOWARDS HOW A U.S. MARITIME FORCE WOULD ORGANIZE AND OPERATE AGAINST AN UPDATED THREAT THAT WAS AS RELATIVELY DANGEROUS TO OUR FORCE AS THE ARGENTINEANS WERE TO THE BRITISH IN 1982.
3.A.2.A. WOODWARD, SANDY. ONE HUNDRED DAYS: THE MEMOIRS OF THE FALKLANDS BATTLE GROUP COMMANDER.
3.A.2.B. CLAPP, MICHAEL, AND SOUTHBY-TAYLOUR, EWEN AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT FALKLANDS: THE BATTLE OF SAN CARLOS WATER
3.A.2.C. THOMPSON, JULIAN. NO PICNIC: 3 COMMANDO BRIGADE IN THE FALKLANDS.
3.B. SECONDARY SELECTIONS: THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF BOOKS WILL BROADEN READERS UNDERSTANDING OF SPECIFIC AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS AREAS.
3.B.1. DIVERSE AMPHIBIOUS DOCTRINE AND OPERATIONS: WWII ACTUALLY SAW THE DEVELOPMENT OF THREE GENERAL MODELS FOR U.S. AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS: THE U.S. MARINES AND NAVY IN THE CENTRAL PACIFIC; THE U.S. ARMY AND NAVY IN THE SOUTHWEST PACIFIC; AND THE ALLIED COALITION IN EUROPE. OUR CURRENT DOCTRINE DERIVES MAINLY FROM THE USMC-USN CAMPAIGNS IN THE CENTRAL PACIFIC. HOWEVER, THE U.S. ARMY CONDUCTED MORE AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS IN WWII THAN DID THE MARINES. TOGETHER WITH THE NAVY, THE ARMY DEVELOPED APPROACHES AND TECHNIQUES IN THEIR THEATERS THAT ARE NOT CAPTURED IN CURRENT DOCTRINE, BUT ARE CERTAINLY WORTH REVIEWING CLOSELY AND CONSIDERING, IN UPDATED FORM, THEIR APPLICABILITY TODAY. THE FOLLOWING BOOKS PROVIDE A GOOD BACKGROUND OF THESE UNIQUE APPROACHES TO AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS:
3.B.1.A. ISELY, JETER A., AND PHILIP A. CROWL. THE U.S. MARINES AND AMPHIBIOUS WAR: ITS THEORY, AND ITS PRACTICE IN THE PACIFIC.
3.B.1.B. YUNG, CHRISTOPHER D. GATORS OF NEPTUNE: NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS PLANNING FOR THE NORMANDY INVASION.
3.B.1.C. BARBEY, DANIEL E., VICE ADMIRAL USN (RET). MACARTHURS AMPHIBIOUS NAVY: SEVENTH AMPHIBIOUS FORCE OPERATIONS, 1943-1945.
3.B.2. THE FOLLOWING TWO BOOKS PROVIDE BASIC LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS OF AMPHIBIOUS TACTICS IN THE DIFFERENT THEATERS IN WWII.
3.B.2.A. ROTTMAN, GORDON L. U.S. WORLD WAR II AMPHIBIOUS TACTICS: MEDITERRANEAN & EUROPEAN THEATERS.
3.B.2.B. ROTTMAN, GORDON L. U.S. WORLD WAR II AMPHIBIOUS TACTICS: ARMY & MARINE CORPS, PACIFIC THEATER.
3.B.3. ANALYZING AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS: THE FOLLOWING BOOKS PROVIDE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS, USING BROAD SETS OF CASE STUDIES TO DERIVE THEIR CONCLUSIONS.
3.B.3.A. EVANS, MICHAEL. AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS: THE PROJECTION OF SEA POWER ASHORE.
3.B.3.B. GATCHEL, THEODORE L. AT THE WATER'S EDGE: DEFENDING AGAINST THE MODERN AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT.
3.B.3.C. GATCHEL, THEODORE L. EAGLES AND ALLIGATORS; AN EXAMINATION OF THE COMMAND RELATIONSHIPS THAT HAVE EXISTED BETWEEN AIRCRAFT CARRIER AND AMPHIBIOUS FORCES DURING AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS (NAVAL WAR COLLEGE STRATEGIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT RESEARCH MEMORANDUM 1-97).
3.B.4. OVERVIEW HISTORIES. THE FOLLOWING BOOKS PROVIDE BROAD HISTORIES OF AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS AND AMPHIBIOUS DOCTRINAL DEVELOPMENT.
3.B.4.A. MESSINA, BARRY P. DEVELOPMENT OF U.S. JOINT AND AMPHIBIOUS DOCTRINE, 1898-1945. (CENTER FOR NAVAL ANALYSES, SEPT 1994).
3.B.4.B. BARTLETT, MERRILL L. ASSAULT FROM THE SEA: ESSAYS ON THE HISTORY OF AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE.
3.B.4.C. ALEXANDER, JOSEPH H., AND MERRILL L. BARTLETT. SEA SOLDIERS IN THE COLD WAR: AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE, 1945-1991.
4. UNDERSTANDING AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS HISTORY, DOCTRINE, AND TACTICS IS IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US - NOT JUST TO THOSE SERVING IN AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS OR THOSE IN THE SURFACE FORCE. EFFECTIVELY EXECUTING AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS INVOLVES OUR ENTIRE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS TEAM. OVER THE COMING YEAR, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ, TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU READ AND THEN TO APPLY WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED TO THE TASK AT HAND AS WE PREPARE FOR AND EXECUTE BA 12.
5. ADMIRAL J. C. HARVEY JR., COMMANDER, U.S. FLEET FORCES COMMAND
SENDS.//
The message below captures my intent with Bold Alligator 2012 (BA 12) as well as establishes the personal reading program I will complete over the coming year to refresh my knowledge and build on my understanding of amphibious operations history, doctrine, and tactics. While not mandatory, I believe this reading list forms the basis of a strong professional reading program, regardless of the level of your participation in BA 12, and so I encourage you to read some or all of my recommendations below and discuss your observations with me here.
You can read the message below or download a copy here.
All the best, JCHjr
FM COMUSFLTFORCOM NORFOLK VA//N00//
TO ALFLTFORCOM
BT
UNCLAS PERSONAL FOR COMMANDERS, COMMANDING OFFICERS, OFFICERS-IN-CHARGE, AND COMMAND MASTER CHIEFS FROM ADM HARVEY
SECINFO/-/-//MSGID/GENADMIN/COMUSFLTFORCOM NORFOLK VA/N00/MAR//SUBJ/AMPHIBIOUS AND EXPEDITIONARY OPERATIONS READING PROGRAM//GENTEXT/REMARKS/
A LARGE-SCALE OPERATION TO EXERCISE THE NAVY-MARINE CORPS' ABILITY TO CONDUCT PROMPT AND SUSTAINED AMPHIBIOUS EXPEDITIONARY OPERATIONS FROM THE SEA, A FUNDAMENTAL CORE COMPETENCY FOR US, HAS NOT OCCURRED IN THE LAST TEN YEARS BECAUSE OF OUR FOCUS ON OPERATIONS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS CORE COMPETENCY NOR THE FACT THAT THIS COMPETENCY IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A UNIQUE CAPABILITY DELIVERED BY THE NAVY/MARINE CORPS TEAM.
2. TO THAT END, I HAVE DIRECTED THAT EXERCISE BOLD ALLIGATOR SERVE AS OUR PRIMARY OPERATIONAL ORGANIZING PRINCIPLE FOR THIS YEAR TO CULMINATE IN BOLD ALLIGATOR 2012 (BA 12), WHICH WILL BE THE LARGEST PAGE 02 RUCBCLF0050 UNCLAS PERSONAL FOR COMMANDERS, COMMANDING OFFICE AMPHIBIOUS EXERCISE CONDUCTED BY THE FLEET IN THE LAST TEN YEARS. THE PURPOSE OF THIS EXERCISE IS TO REVISIT NAVY/MARINE CORPS AMPHIBIOUS EXPEDITIONARY TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, AND PROCEDURES AND REINVIGORATE OUR CULTURE OF CONDUCTING COMBINED NAVY/MARINE CORPS OPERATIONS FROM THE SEA. I WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT BA 12 WILL BE A MAJOR FLEET EXERCISE, NOT SIMPLY ANOTHER ARG/MEU EVENT.
3. AS WE BEGIN PLANNING FOR BA 12, IT IS APPARENT TO ME THAT OUR COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE, WHICH CERTAINLY INCLUDES MY KNOWLEDGE, OF AMPHIBIOUS EXPEDITIONARY OPERATIONS HAS ERODED OVER TIME. TO ENSURE I AM FULLY READY FOR BA 12, I HAVE ESTABLISHED A PERSONAL READING PROGRAM THAT I ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AS WELL FOR YOUR OWN BENEFIT AND THAT OF YOUR UNIT. THIS READING LIST IS VOLUNTARY, AND WILL NOT BE MADE MANDATORY, BUT I TRULY BELIEVE IT CAN FORM THE BASIS OF A STRONG PROFESSIONAL READING PROGRAM, REGARDLESS OF THE LEVEL OF YOUR PARTICIPATION IN BA 12. MY READING PROGRAM CONTAINS FOUR BOOKS THAT CAN BE READ WITHIN A YEAR WITH ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED READINGS FOCUSED ON SPECIFIC AREAS OF AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS, TO INCLUDE DOCTRINE AND TACTICS.
3.A. CORE LIST: CURRENT DOCTRINE AND AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS IN A MODERN ENVIRONMENT
3.A.1. JOINT PUBLICATION 3-02 (JP 3-02) AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS (10 AUG 2009) JP 3-02 IS THE CURRENT DOCTRINE FOR AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS. THIS DOCTRINE PROVIDES THE FRAME OF REFERENCE FOR READING SUBSEQUENT BOOKS ON AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS AND THEIR HISTORY. READERS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
3.A.1.A. ASK YOURSELF HOW YOUR UNIT, COMMAND OR SPECIALTY FITS INTO THE FRAMEWORK OF AN AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION. FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR MARITIME INTELLIGENCE REQUIREMENTS? HOW WOULD AN AMPHIBIOUS TASK FORCE TIE INTO A CARRIER STRIKE GROUP AND EXECUTE COMPOSITE WARFARE?
3.A.1.B. READ WITH AN EYE TOWARDS HOW THIS DOCTRINE FITS IN WITH OVERALL JFMCC/FLEET DOCTRINE AS CONTAINED IN JP 3-32 COMMAND AND CONTROL FOR JOINT MARITIME OPERATIONS AND NWP 3-32 MARITIME OPERATIONS AT THE OPERATIONAL LEVEL OF WAR.
3.A.2. THE 1982 FALKLANDS CONFLICT BETWEEN THE UK AND ARGENTINA FEATURED AN AMPHIBIOUS OPERATION CARRIED OUT BY A MODERN MARITIME FORCE UNDER A SIGNIFICANT THREAT FROM CONVENTIONAL AIR-DELIVERED ORDNANCE WITHOUT AIR SUPERIORITY IN THE AOA. WHILE TECHNOLOGY HAS ADVANCED SINCE 1982, MANY OF THE WARFIGHTING ISSUES WE FACE TODAY ARE SIMILIAR IN NATURE TO WHAT THE UK FORCES FACED WHILE PROJECTING FORCES ASHORE AT THE END OF A LONG AND COMPLEX LOGISTICAL PIPELINE IN A HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT. BELOW ARE MEMOIRS BY THE THREE CRITICAL UK MARITIME COMMANDERS IN THIS CONFLICT - READ THESE THREE BOOKS AND COMPARE THE PERSPECTIVES AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM EACH. ADDITIONALLY, READ WITH AN EYE TOWARDS HOW A U.S. MARITIME FORCE WOULD ORGANIZE AND OPERATE AGAINST AN UPDATED THREAT THAT WAS AS RELATIVELY DANGEROUS TO OUR FORCE AS THE ARGENTINEANS WERE TO THE BRITISH IN 1982.
3.A.2.A. WOODWARD, SANDY. ONE HUNDRED DAYS: THE MEMOIRS OF THE FALKLANDS BATTLE GROUP COMMANDER.
3.A.2.B. CLAPP, MICHAEL, AND SOUTHBY-TAYLOUR, EWEN AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT FALKLANDS: THE BATTLE OF SAN CARLOS WATER
3.A.2.C. THOMPSON, JULIAN. NO PICNIC: 3 COMMANDO BRIGADE IN THE FALKLANDS.
3.B. SECONDARY SELECTIONS: THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF BOOKS WILL BROADEN READERS UNDERSTANDING OF SPECIFIC AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS AREAS.
3.B.1. DIVERSE AMPHIBIOUS DOCTRINE AND OPERATIONS: WWII ACTUALLY SAW THE DEVELOPMENT OF THREE GENERAL MODELS FOR U.S. AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS: THE U.S. MARINES AND NAVY IN THE CENTRAL PACIFIC; THE U.S. ARMY AND NAVY IN THE SOUTHWEST PACIFIC; AND THE ALLIED COALITION IN EUROPE. OUR CURRENT DOCTRINE DERIVES MAINLY FROM THE USMC-USN CAMPAIGNS IN THE CENTRAL PACIFIC. HOWEVER, THE U.S. ARMY CONDUCTED MORE AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS IN WWII THAN DID THE MARINES. TOGETHER WITH THE NAVY, THE ARMY DEVELOPED APPROACHES AND TECHNIQUES IN THEIR THEATERS THAT ARE NOT CAPTURED IN CURRENT DOCTRINE, BUT ARE CERTAINLY WORTH REVIEWING CLOSELY AND CONSIDERING, IN UPDATED FORM, THEIR APPLICABILITY TODAY. THE FOLLOWING BOOKS PROVIDE A GOOD BACKGROUND OF THESE UNIQUE APPROACHES TO AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS:
3.B.1.A. ISELY, JETER A., AND PHILIP A. CROWL. THE U.S. MARINES AND AMPHIBIOUS WAR: ITS THEORY, AND ITS PRACTICE IN THE PACIFIC.
3.B.1.B. YUNG, CHRISTOPHER D. GATORS OF NEPTUNE: NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS PLANNING FOR THE NORMANDY INVASION.
3.B.1.C. BARBEY, DANIEL E., VICE ADMIRAL USN (RET). MACARTHURS AMPHIBIOUS NAVY: SEVENTH AMPHIBIOUS FORCE OPERATIONS, 1943-1945.
3.B.2. THE FOLLOWING TWO BOOKS PROVIDE BASIC LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS OF AMPHIBIOUS TACTICS IN THE DIFFERENT THEATERS IN WWII.
3.B.2.A. ROTTMAN, GORDON L. U.S. WORLD WAR II AMPHIBIOUS TACTICS: MEDITERRANEAN & EUROPEAN THEATERS.
3.B.2.B. ROTTMAN, GORDON L. U.S. WORLD WAR II AMPHIBIOUS TACTICS: ARMY & MARINE CORPS, PACIFIC THEATER.
3.B.3. ANALYZING AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS: THE FOLLOWING BOOKS PROVIDE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS, USING BROAD SETS OF CASE STUDIES TO DERIVE THEIR CONCLUSIONS.
3.B.3.A. EVANS, MICHAEL. AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS: THE PROJECTION OF SEA POWER ASHORE.
3.B.3.B. GATCHEL, THEODORE L. AT THE WATER'S EDGE: DEFENDING AGAINST THE MODERN AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT.
3.B.3.C. GATCHEL, THEODORE L. EAGLES AND ALLIGATORS; AN EXAMINATION OF THE COMMAND RELATIONSHIPS THAT HAVE EXISTED BETWEEN AIRCRAFT CARRIER AND AMPHIBIOUS FORCES DURING AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS (NAVAL WAR COLLEGE STRATEGIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT RESEARCH MEMORANDUM 1-97).
3.B.4. OVERVIEW HISTORIES. THE FOLLOWING BOOKS PROVIDE BROAD HISTORIES OF AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS AND AMPHIBIOUS DOCTRINAL DEVELOPMENT.
3.B.4.A. MESSINA, BARRY P. DEVELOPMENT OF U.S. JOINT AND AMPHIBIOUS DOCTRINE, 1898-1945. (CENTER FOR NAVAL ANALYSES, SEPT 1994).
3.B.4.B. BARTLETT, MERRILL L. ASSAULT FROM THE SEA: ESSAYS ON THE HISTORY OF AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE.
3.B.4.C. ALEXANDER, JOSEPH H., AND MERRILL L. BARTLETT. SEA SOLDIERS IN THE COLD WAR: AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE, 1945-1991.
4. UNDERSTANDING AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS HISTORY, DOCTRINE, AND TACTICS IS IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US - NOT JUST TO THOSE SERVING IN AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS OR THOSE IN THE SURFACE FORCE. EFFECTIVELY EXECUTING AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS INVOLVES OUR ENTIRE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS TEAM. OVER THE COMING YEAR, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ, TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU READ AND THEN TO APPLY WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED TO THE TASK AT HAND AS WE PREPARE FOR AND EXECUTE BA 12.
5. ADMIRAL J. C. HARVEY JR., COMMANDER, U.S. FLEET FORCES COMMAND
SENDS.//
24 February 2011
Visit to USNS SACAGAWEA (T-AKE 2)
Team,
Her Master and crew hosted us for an overnight visit which included a full tour of the ship from stem to stern and an observation of ammo off-load from USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75).
SACAGAWEA provides our Navy with a truly remarkable underway replenishment (UNREP) capability. She is capable of delivering the same number and types of cargo that previously required three different types of ships. Her massive cargo storage areas are capable of storing 6,000 tons of stores and/or ammunition and she can deliver up to 1,000,000 gallons of fuel. She has five underway replenishment stations that service ships alongside while she conducts vertical replenishment as well. In the past, the time required for UNREP was determined by the cargo vessel. T-AKE class ships have reversed that concept and it is now the combatant’s on-load/off-load capabilities that determine the time to conduct replenishment.
Last week, Fleet Master Chief Stevens and I visited USNS SACAGAWEA (T-AKE 2), a Lewis and Clark class dry cargo ship operated and maintained by Military Sealift Command (MSC).
 |
HSC-26 helo vert repping from HST to SACAGAWEA |
SACAGAWEA’s primary mission is to resupply the fleet through connected replenishment (CONREP) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) while at sea. These 42,000 pound displacement vessels enable our combatant fleet to remain underway and operational longer than any other in the world.
 |
The ammo off-loaded from HST and secured below deck on SACAGAWEA. |
 |
The eleven Sailors that make up the military detachment assigned to SACAGAWEA – a great group of Sailors! |
I also found the composition of the crew to be particularly interesting. The Master and Chief Engineer are professional equivalents at the O-6 level and lead the crew of 11 military and 129 civil service mariners. All civil service mariners hold U.S. Coast Guard credentials specific to their skill rating to meet all USCG inspection requirements specific to the ship’s mission. The mariners are divided into three Departments. The Deck Department provides all of the navigational watch teams and the primary members of the cargo handling teams. Engine Department operates the propulsion plant and performs most routine ship’s maintenance. Supply Department provides cooking, logistics support, and housekeeping services. There is a great deal of automation on the ship which frees up each member of the small crew to perform several other functions for efficiency and a unique synergy. For example, cargo handlers may have additional duties in the mess and galleys while Engineering and Supply personnel can be found assisting with underway replenishment cargo handling.
MSC crews do not have a sea-shore rotation like naval personnel. They are hired to serve at sea, performing minimum four month tours with only brief periods ashore for leave and training. It is not uncommon to find mariners who voluntarily remain at sea well beyond the minimum four month tour on a single ship. These civil service mariners have a legacy that reaches back to their proud service during World War II.
 |
Spending time with the Chief Engineer in the engine room – once an engineer,always an engineer! |
Overall, I was extremely impressed with the level of knowledge, professionalism and strong sense of pride throughout the crew, and I was very pleased to have been able to break my flag on SACAGAWEA.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with the level of knowledge, professionalism and strong sense of pride throughout the crew, and I was very pleased to have been able to break my flag on SACAGAWEA.
All the best, JCHjr
13 December 2010
Additional Photos from the Thanksgiving Trip
Team,
I received some additional photos from my trip to the CENTCOM AOR that were taken during my visits to the carrier USS HARRY S TRUMAN and cruiser USS NORMANDY. I want to share them with you because I believe they help to tell an important story. All too often all we see are photos of our aircraft carriers launching aircraft to deliver ordnance a thousand miles away in support of our troops on the ground in Afghanistan, or footage of an SM-3 missile being launched from the deck of a cruiser in the Pacific to shoot a failing and potentially dangerous satellite out of the sky. But we don’t always see the men and women below decks who are doing a variety of demanding jobs, day in – day out, around the clock that make everything else possible.
I was very fortunate to meet and spend time with some of our finest Sailors on both HST and NOR and saw firsthand their great talent and skills at work. For example, the CSs on HST prepared a Thanksgiving meal for the crew – almost 6,000 hungry Sailors – that clearly rivaled anything you would find here at home. It’s something they do three times a day, seven days a week for as long as they are deployed. A remarkable achievement, but for our Navy CSs, it was simply business as usual. But that’s typical of all of the Sailors I met. Everywhere I went on the HST and NOR I found motivated, hard-working professionals proudly serving their ship and our Navy. It’s just who we are and what we do – around the world, every day.
All the best, JCHjr
I received some additional photos from my trip to the CENTCOM AOR that were taken during my visits to the carrier USS HARRY S TRUMAN and cruiser USS NORMANDY. I want to share them with you because I believe they help to tell an important story. All too often all we see are photos of our aircraft carriers launching aircraft to deliver ordnance a thousand miles away in support of our troops on the ground in Afghanistan, or footage of an SM-3 missile being launched from the deck of a cruiser in the Pacific to shoot a failing and potentially dangerous satellite out of the sky. But we don’t always see the men and women below decks who are doing a variety of demanding jobs, day in – day out, around the clock that make everything else possible.
 |
| In the galley aboard the HARRY S TRUMAN - terrific CSs getting the job done, every day. |
All the best, JCHjr
 |
| I started my HST tour with the Aircraft Handler in Flight Deck Control donating 50 push-ups to their deployment push-up goal. |
 |
| Another terrific CS in the galley aboard HARRY S TRUMAN |
 |
| On board NORMANDY in the galley |
 |
| On board NORMANDY in the General Workshop |
 |
| On the bridge of HARRY S TRUMAN - getting "the gouge" direct from our Sailors |
 |
| On Flight Deck Control of HARRY S TRUMAN - getting more gouge |
 |
| In the forward SPY Radar spaces aboard NORMANDY with some of the finest FCs in the Navy. |
21 July 2010
Visit to USS TEMPEST, RIVGRU 1, and NECC
Team,
On Monday I had the opportunity to visit some of our Sailors and participate in some events that I want to share with you.
My first visit was to the USS TEMPEST (PC-2), a Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship that is preparing to deploy this November. I was given a thorough tour of the ship and spent valuable time talking with her crew. We had very interesting discussions about the different techniques they are using to preserve topside weapons, as well as training requirements for the entire ship. She’s a smaller ship with a small crew, but her twenty-four Sailors and four officers must meet the same training and certification requirements of much larger ships. I am very interested in learning more about how PC crews manage to get it all done as I see a lot of similarities with LCS and believe there are a lot of lessons we can learn from as we begin introducing LCS to the Fleet.
Just last week TEMPEST was in the news when she rescued five of eight occupants from the water (Coast Guard rescued the other three) after their 41-foot sport-fisher sank 10 miles off the coast of Cape Lookout.
She has a very proud crew led by a very proud CO and CMC. Thanks again for a useful and informative visit.
.jpg)
On Monday I had the opportunity to visit some of our Sailors and participate in some events that I want to share with you.
My first visit was to the USS TEMPEST (PC-2), a Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship that is preparing to deploy this November. I was given a thorough tour of the ship and spent valuable time talking with her crew. We had very interesting discussions about the different techniques they are using to preserve topside weapons, as well as training requirements for the entire ship. She’s a smaller ship with a small crew, but her twenty-four Sailors and four officers must meet the same training and certification requirements of much larger ships. I am very interested in learning more about how PC crews manage to get it all done as I see a lot of similarities with LCS and believe there are a lot of lessons we can learn from as we begin introducing LCS to the Fleet.Just last week TEMPEST was in the news when she rescued five of eight occupants from the water (Coast Guard rescued the other three) after their 41-foot sport-fisher sank 10 miles off the coast of Cape Lookout.
She has a very proud crew led by a very proud CO and CMC. Thanks again for a useful and informative visit.
The second visit of the day was to Riverine Group 1 (RIVGRU 1) and was particularly useful for a few reasons. First, I rode along on one of our Riverine Command Boats (RCB) while it conducted exercises in conjunction with our Riverine Assault Boats (RAB). Some of the high-speed maneuvers demonstrated were 180 degree turns called J-Turns and E-stops (emergency stops from all ahead to a full stop.) These boats can go from 40+ knots to dead in the water in only two boat lengths. The crew also demonstrated their maneuverability in confined areas (rivers) by conducting full turns with no headway (spinning). One of my staff was told that being in the back of an RCB was akin to being inside a washing machine. I found the crews to be very well-trained and, much like the TEMPEST Sailors, a very proud bunch.
During my visit to RIVGRU 1, I had the honor of presenting the Purple Heart to Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Michael Finch, of Riverine Squadron 1, for wounds sustained in action in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). GM2 Finch was in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle that was hit by an IED as it was returning from a mission. He suffered severe wounds to his right hand that will require an extensive recovery period but I was struck by his overwhelming motivation to return to his unit and get back into the fight. GM2 Finch represents the many exceptional Sailors that are out there putting their lives on the line for us everyday.
.jpg)
Finally, I had the great pleasure and honor of presenting the Sailors and Civilians of the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) with the Navy Unit Commendation (NUC) medal for exceptional meritorious service from 2006 to 2008. It takes a very special group of people for a command to receive the NUC. The accomplishments of NECC over the past four years have been nothing short of extraordinary. From putting Sailors on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq to providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief on a moments notice to Haiti, they do it all, and they do it with great pride. I am very proud of our NECC team – Sailors, Civilians and Contractors – that make it all possible. Congratulations once again.
All the best, JCHjr
28 August 2009
Sustaining Expeditionary Experience and Capabilities
Navy established Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) in January 2006 to lead and centrally manage our Expeditionary Forces. Just four years later, we have a large and diverse group of Sailors at the leading edge of the fight with the demand signal for these forces steadily increasing.
When we discuss Navy's contributions to today's conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, NECC's forces are - and will continue to be - at the center of that discussion. Our Sailors (Active and Reserve) have developed an extraordinary amount of experience and capability that we must continue to bring to bear to execute the missions our nation requires, today and in the future.
It is easy to create and manage a "single-purpose" warfare career field - like sub, surface, and air. My question to you: how do we best ensure that we institutionalize and take advantage of the extraordinary experience that we have gained in NECC over the past four years and will continue to need well into the future?
When we discuss Navy's contributions to today's conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, NECC's forces are - and will continue to be - at the center of that discussion. Our Sailors (Active and Reserve) have developed an extraordinary amount of experience and capability that we must continue to bring to bear to execute the missions our nation requires, today and in the future.
It is easy to create and manage a "single-purpose" warfare career field - like sub, surface, and air. My question to you: how do we best ensure that we institutionalize and take advantage of the extraordinary experience that we have gained in NECC over the past four years and will continue to need well into the future?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
