UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

EXPEDITIONARY WARFARE TRAINING GROUP, PACIFIC

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

LESSON PLAN

MARITIME PREPOSITIONING FORCE (MPF) Maritime Prepositioning Ship

Squadron (MPSRON)

MPF 02

MARITIME PREPOSITIONING FORCE (MPF) STAFF PLANNING

N20L8QM

REVISED 07/01/2008

APPROVED BY _______________________ DATE ______________________

 MPF 02

INTRODUCTION (3 MIN)

1. GAIN ATTENTION.

(Slide 1)

The ability to preposition in a maritime environment offers numerous advantages

over land-based prepositioning or air-employed force movement. As planners, it
is important to understand the organization, platforms and challenges associated
with Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS) in order to effectively plan an MPF
operation. This information will assist the student in the practical exercise
portion of this course.

(Slide 2)

2. OVERVIEW. During this lesson we will discuss:

• Squadron Locations

• MPSRON Staff composition

• MPSRON & Merchant Marine Responsibilities

• MPSRON Vessel composition and characteristics including support vessels

(Slide 3)

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES (LESSON PURPOSE)

To familiarize students with information on the staff composition, location,

responsibilities, and vessel characteristics of the MPSRONs, as well as,
characteristics of the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) support vessels.

a. TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES. With the aid of a reference, the student

will be able to describe the composition and employment of a MPSRON in
accordance with MCWP 3-32.

b. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

(1) With the aid of a reference, explain the staff composition and
location of a MPSRON in accordance with MCWP 3-32.

(2) With the aid of a reference,

explain the responsibilities of a MPSRON staff and Merchant Marines in
accordance with MCWP 3-32.

(3) With the aid of a reference, explain MPSRON vessel composition and
characteristics in accordance with MCWP 3-32.

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

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

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? We will now discuss MPSRON.
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(Slide 5)

BODY (45 MIN)

1. MPSRON

MPRSON is one of three parts of the MPF Triad.

(Slide 6)

a. Concept

Concept is for rapid deployment of a MAGTF to link with up Prepositioned

Equipment and Supplies on MPS.

The key word here is “rapid deployment”. Everything included in the MPF Program
should support “rapid deployment”. If not, the program would not be as
effective and its strategic value would decrease.

(Slide 7)

MPS offers a “floating warehouse”. Almost everything needed for MAGTF is

prepositioned on the ships. Once again, this reinforces the concept of rapid
deployment. If equipment and supplies were to be flown in or transferred from
land bases, the time for deployment would increase significantly.

(Slide 8)

This slide depicts the vast investment in the MPF program. The cost and number
of equipment and supplies located on the 3 MPSRON is greater then most nations.

(Slide 9)

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a. Paragraph Heading. MPSRON Locations

MPSRONs are unique in that they are hybrids. They consist of Active duty
Sailors and Merchant Mariners. MPS are a combination of government and
commercial owned vessels.

(Slide 10)

MPSRON are strategically located to support operations in multiple AORS.

(Slide 11)

This picture depicts the MPSRON’s sphere of influence.

(Slide 12)

This highlights the tremendous amount of equipment and supplies embarked on

MPSRON vessels. Note: The major end items listed are based on a MPSRON with a
5-6 ship squadron.

(Slide 13)

This slide shows the MAGTF force equivalent as it pertains to number of ships.

(Slide 14)

MPS provide equipment and supplies that support the MAGTF and each
MSE.
(Slide 15)

This graph depicts MPSRON 1&3 staff composition by rank and position.

(Slide 16)

It is important to realize that the MPSRON staffs along with the Merchant
Mariners live on the MPS. It is home to them and OPP and Debark teams should be
reminded of the fact.

(Slide 17)

The MPSRON staff is embarked on the Flagship. The other four or five ships in
the squadron are manned by Merchant Mariners. Therefore, the NEAT serves as a
link to the MPSRON staff and other military units.

(Slide 18)

COMPSRON is operationally responsible to the Fleet Commander and is

administratively responsible to MSC.

(Slide 19)

COMPSRON responsibilities are very similar to COMDESRON or COMPHIBRON.

(Slide 20 and 21)

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Since the squadrons are forward deployed, logistics requires more time and
planning. Many of the responsibilities and much of there time is spent with
issues surrounding supplies and services.

(Slide 22)

The crews of MPS are civilians and as is the case with civilians, they have
specified responsibilities and duties to perform. It is vital to maintain a
good working relationship. They know their respective ships and equipment load
out and are a great asset to OPP and Debark teams.

(Slide 23)

US Navy warships are NOT bound to comply with USCG regulations. Not the case
for MPS.

(Slide 24)

Currently, there are 16 ships in the MPF program however numbers are to change
with the addition of the LMSRs and termination of the Hauge class ships.

(Slide 25)

This graph depicts the current location of MPS.

(Slide 26)

2 of the 3 LMSRs have been identified. Both are Watson-class LMSRs. The
Watson-class is a better platform because it offers more square foot then the
Bob Hope-class.

(Slide 27)

Built for sealift, not for combat. Designed, built and loaded for rapid
deployment of equipment and supplies especially instream operations.

(Slide 28)

Since they are warships, they require force protection for multiple threats.

(Slide 29)

MPF ships differ from your stand “black bottom” shipping in that they have
cranes so they can conduct an instream offload or on piers with no or limited
infrastructure.

(Slide 30)

Picture of Pilothouse.

(Slide 31)

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Picture of Flight Deck.

(Slide 32)

Onboard cranes are a great capability and are crucial to the MPF process however
they have limitations due to sea state and require well trained operators. The
potential for damage to equipment and ship and the potential for human loss are
Should be taken into consideration when planning.

(Slide 33)

Picture of Gantry Crane. Very effective and fast in loading and offloading
containers. Depending on operator skill and proficiency, gantry crane is
capable of offloading 30-40 containers per hour.

(Slide 34)

Picture of Gantry Crane.

(Slide 35)

Picture of Cargo Hold. You can see how important it is to have a well trained
Cargo Handling Battilion.

(Slide 36)

Picture of Hatch. In order to move the hatch cover, first the causeway sections
must be removed as they sit on top of the hatch cover.

(Slide 37)

Picture of lighterage on deck. LCM-8 is one of the first pieces to be offloaded

as it serves as a safety boat while causeway sections are being put together.
It could also transport Debark Team members to the ship who are waiting on shore.

(Slide 38)

First to be used is the last to be loaded on the MPS.

(Slide 39)

Review of C2.

Picture of Humvees. What happens if one of these is OOC? What are the effects?

(Slide 40)

What are the effects of having limited access to the equipment?

(Slide 41)

What effect can weather have on the ship and the equipment? What are the
effects of equipment placed in a sea environment?

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(Slide 42)

Is this MTVR ready for combat?

(Slide 43 & 44)

Equipment continues to get larger and heavier due to armoring and other changes.
The ship’s crew is vital to a safe and efficient offload as well as the TAAT
because the design and layout of the ships create numerous challenges during
onload and offload.

(Slide 45)

This picture highlights the potential for equipment damage and human injury or
death. Because of the tight quarters, plan for some equipment to have minor
damage

(Slide 46)

Stern ramps vary in size, length, weight capacity and ability to slew to port
and starboard. For example, the Martin’s stern ramp can only slew to one
direction. (starboard).

(Slide 47&48)

The stern ramp can used pierside or in an instream offload to splash vehicles or
RO/RO onto RRDF.

(Slide 49 & 50)

This schematic shows the “parking garage” layout of a RO/RO ship.

(Slide 51)

NEAT bring their own communications suite because most MPF lack organic
communications necessary for convoy operations and C2.

(Slide 52)

Swing ships have not been acquired yet.

(Slide 53)

You will notice the ship is painted black. You will often hear the ships
referenced as “black bottom” ships. Navy warships or USNS are painted haze
grey.

(Slide 54)

One of the most important things is to recognize is the deep draft of the
vessels. What effect does this have?

(Slide 55)

This ship has a limited selective offload capability.

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(Slide 56)
Shortest of all the MPS ships yet very effective because it was built
specifically for MPF, it was not converted.

(Slide 57)

Does not carry break-bulk cargo where Hauge-class did.

(Slide 58)

Bobo-class is easily distinguishable by its yellow colored deck and five cranes
(2-twins and 1 single).

(Slide 59)

One of the reasons why the Mares contract was not renewed because the cranes
required extensive maintenance. This would have caused shortages in
capabilities and equipment availability within respective Oars. In addition, it
would have negatively affected the MMC and operations at BIC.

(Slide 60)

Hauge-class has the ability to carry bulk fuel but its replacement does not.

(Slide 61)

What has to happen before the General Cargo can be removed?

(Slide 62)

Only 100 feet shorter than an aircraft carrier.

(Slide 63)

7 football fields!!

(Slide 64)

Built for oversized, heavy equipment so great platform as gear becomes bigger
and heavier due to armoring and updates/modernization.

(Slide 65)

One of the unique features of the LMSR is the side ramp. This allows for
simuetamilously offload. It is possible to offload the entire ship via RO/RO in
less than 48 hours.

(Slide 66)

It does not carry bulk fuel. Hence the needs for a POL swing ship.

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(Slide 67)

The LMSRs will require some modifications. Flight deck, INLS holders, berthing
expansion to 100, stern ramp modifications to splash vehicles and for RRDF.

(Slide 68)

To identify a USNS vessel, look at the smoke stack for the yellow, blue, and
stripes.

(Slide 69)

Each ship is unique. We group them as a class but there are only a class in the
sense that they were purchased within the same budget. The USNS Stockham is
actually a LMSR. It currently makes a great AFSB platform because of its large
size and cargo carrying capability.

(Slide 70)

Carries equipment and capabilities not loaded on other MPF ships.

(Slide 71)

EAF: An airfield that can sustain numerous platforms to include fixed-wing

aircraft.

(Slide 72)

EAF is man-power intensive. First, the ground must graded and leveled. Second,
it requires 3 people to install a single piece of AM2 matting. There is 4000
feet of runway to lay so it could take considerable time if sufficient personnel
are not allocated.

(Slide 73)

Each ship is different therefore the load plans would differ. Each MPF(E) ship
offers unique advantages and challenges.

(Slide 74)

Funding for both vessels exist. MSC is identifying requirements and searching
for platforms capable of meeting such.

(Slide 75)

Where are these vessels located? How long would it take them to get to MPSRON 2
AOR? They are not prepositioned and not capable of rapid deployment so they are
not considered MPS vessel but instead are support vessels.

(Slide 76)

Provides level 4 care where Field hospital provides level 3.

(Slide 77)

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Think of this platform as a floating “aviation” hospital ship. It can provide

maintenance support. Very important if the MAGTF is flying lots of sorties.
Remember, MAGTF can sustain for 15-30 days of flight sorties.

(Slide 78)

T-AVB can be loaded in an admin or operational configuration. Operational

config allows for maintenance onboard the ship while underway or in port.

(Slide 79)

This concludes this POI. Are there any questions?

SUMMARY (1 MIN)

This class has

discovered the locations of the three forward deployed squadrons,
five different classes of ships, MPF Vessel traits, the mobile
storage and transportation of MAGTF equipment and supplies onboard
MPS, MPSRON support vessels, and the concept of rapid deployment
and response surrounding the MPSRONs.

REFERENCES:

1. MCWP 3-32/NTTP 3-02.3, Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) Operations.

2. COMSURFWARDEBGRU TACMEMO PZ0057-1-94, Aviation Logistics Support Ship (T-AVB)

Operations

ATTACHMENTS: None.

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