VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

MTP 1(D), Vol. I
12014 PRINCIPLES AFFECTING CONVOY FORMATIONS
Ships in convoy should have simple and concise instructions concerning action to be taken in the
event of a nuclear attack. It is important that orders and instructions to ships in convoy should be issued and
understood before the convoy forms up. This is best done at the convoy conference. The size of the convoy
and other factors permitting, wide spacing of columns and ships in column is recommended. If possible,
the spacing of ships in columns and between columns should not be reduced below 1 mile. Random formations
should be considered in order to prevent easy recognition by the enemy.
NOT RELEASABLE
12015 ACTION PRIOR TO NUCLEAR ATTACK
a. Establishment of Formation Rendezvous (Point Romeo). OTCs of formations are to
promulgate a formation rendezvous at which ships can re-form following dispersal. OTCs of dispositions
are to be kept informed of the position of the formation rendezvous. If no Naval Effective Downwind Message
(NAVEDM) is issued, a signal from ATP 1, Vol. II, may be used.
b. Promulgation of Fallout Information. In the absence of reports from shore authorities, the
OTC will promulgate information to the formation in the form of a NAVEDM, expanded to include information
on Point Romeo. Details are in ATP 45.
c. Operational Readiness for Fallout Transit. The OTC should state well in advance the required
operational readiness for his units should a fallout transit become inevitable. The OTC should specify
AAW, ASW, and ASUW degrees of readiness and the degree of readiness for engineering, stating the
maximum speed required for fallout transit. The OTC should also nominate guard ships (e.g., radar, sonar,
and EW guards), as many ships will be limited in operational performance during the transit. In general, the
OTC should re-examine the principles of readiness in Chapter 1 to match the problem associated with fallout
transit.
12016 TACTICS FOLLOWING A NUCLEAR ATTACK
Tactics to be employed and considerations are in Table 12-2.
12017 — 12019 SPARE
12020 SELECTION OF FORMATION RENDEZVOUS
Point Romeo should be established relative to the formation center, and the course and speed of the
rendezvous must be indicated. When a disposition incorporates more than one formation, each formation
should promulgate its own Point Romeo. Whenever possible, Point Romeo should be up the effective
downwind (EDW) from the formation center and at a distance equal to the area of immediate contamination
plus the diameter of the formation. In determining the position of Point Romeo, the OTC must consider
the following factors:
a. Direction and strength of EDW.
12-8 ORIGINAL