VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
3322 SKELETON SCREEN
a. Description. Stations assigned are relative to a corner or side of the main body or convoy.
b. Ordering a Skeleton Screen. Stations or patrol lines are ordered by using the skeleton
screen diagram (Figure 3-23).
(1) Station Allocation. A station is allocated by signaling one or two letters from the diagram,
followed by a number to indicate the nearest distance in thousands of yards, followed by the call sign of
the unit assigned to that station. The use of two letters to allocate a station indicates a middle line between
two single letters from the diagram.
SCREEN G–DE 5 c/s DD 6
Meaning: DD 6 is allocated the station 45° on starboard bow of the main body or convoy at
5,000 yards.
(2) Patrol Line Allocation. A patrol line is allocated by signaling two stations as in station
allocation.
SCREEN G–CD 5 E 5 c/s DD 6
EXAMPLE-
-EXAMPLE-
Meaning: DD 6 is allocated the patrol line between 15° and 60° on starboard bow of the main
body or convoy at 5,000 yards.
c. Screening in Restricted Waters. Stations may be assigned by using the skeleton screen
diagram. A typical, narrow-front skeleton screen is shown in Figure 3-23.
3323 HELICOPTER WINDLINE SCREEN
Available helicopters are ordered to sectors, stations, or patrol lines ahead of a carrier launching or
recovering aircraft. The break-dip position is to be at least 5,000 yards from the carrier at all times. A
helicopter windline screen may be ordered by using either the sector method or by stationing the
helicopter(s) relative to the carrier.
3324 DEPARTURE AND ENTRY SCREENS
a. When the departure/entry screen is ordered, units proceed independently to the sectors or areas
assigned and then patrol at random within them. More than one unit may be allocated to a single sector or
area, in which case, the screen commander is to specify the unit that is to coordinate their patrol. Sufficient
time should be allowed so that screening ships do not proceed at a speed higher than optimum sonar speed
and are able to employ tactical countermeasures while taking up their cruising stations.
NOT RELEASABLE
b. The two methods of ordering departure/entry screens are sector and grid. The choice between
them depends only on convenience of ordering in their particular geographic location.
3-42 CHANGE 2