Naval Operations Concept - Defense Technical Information Center

and salvage ships (T-ARS) render assistance to disabled ships and provide
towing, salvage, diving, firefighting and heavy lift capabilities to the
fleet. Ocean surveillance ships (T-AGOS) gather global underwater
acoustical data to support anti-submarine warfare system development
and undersea warfare effectiveness. Dry cargo/ammunition ships
(T-AKE) and float-on/float-off mobile landing platforms (MLP) enhance
the capacity and flexibility of the three MPS Squadrons. Hospital ships
(T-AH) are designed to provide emergency medical care in support of
overseas combat operations. In recent years they have had an increasingly
profound impact on HA/DR operations, and the Navy will continue
to deploy a T-AH from each coast to conduct proactive humanitarian
assistance and TSC missions.
Icebreakers
Icebreakers (WAGB) and “ice-capable ships” assure access and assert U.S.
policy in the Polar Regions. Emerging and expanding missions in the
Arctic and Antarctic Polar Regions highlight the importance of these
vessels in the context of the National Fleet policy. Polar icebreakers
support science and research; supply remote stations; enforce sovereignty
in U.S. waters; conduct Search and Rescue (SAR), marine environmental
protection, and maritime law enforcement missions; and establish
presence in international waters. They are the only means of providing
assured surface access in support of Arctic maritime security and sea
control missions. Icebreakers are specifically designed for open-water icebreaking
with reinforced hulls, tailored hull forms, and rapid ballasting
systems. Ice-capable ships have strengthened hulls to enable operations
in ice-covered and ice-diminished waters, but have limited icebreaking
capability. Increased international activity, new transoceanic shipping
routes and competition for resources in the Polar Regions will require
icebreakers for the foreseeable future. Current operations, maintenance
support funding, and employment of these icebreakers involves complex
interagency and scientific research community coordination. 30
Summary: Relating Naval Forces to the Maritime Strategy
The relationship between major Naval Service platforms and the Maritime
Strategy’s core capabilities—forward presence, maritime security,
HA/DR, sea control, power projection and deterrence—are depicted in
Table 1 on page 92.
Chapter 0 Future Force Structure