Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations - Historic Naval Ships ...

Ship-to-Shore Movement Planningc. Amphibious operations involve complexinter-relationships between the LFs, ATF, andother assigned and supporting forces,especially during the action phase. Planningis a synergistic effort which must ensure thatboth ATF’s, LF’s, and other forces’considerations are adequately addressed. TheCATF is responsible for preparation andcoordination of the ship-to-shoremovement plan. The CATF and CLF arecoequal during the planning phase.Differences that cannot be resolved will bereferred to the common superior. The CATFis responsible for the ship-to-shoremovement, but will coordinate with the CLFfor changing situations that affect theamphibious operation as revealed byintelligence sources or landing forces ashore.Basic CATF, CLF, and/or supportedcommander planning decisions are containedin Chapter IV, “Approach to Planning andPrimary Decisions.”d. The landing plan will be designed tosupport the ashore concept of operations,keeping in mind the inherent capabilities andoperational characteristics of availableamphibious ships and landing craft. The planwill also provide maximum flexibility torespond to unexpected changes in the tacticalsituation.See JP 3-02.1, Joint Doctrine for LandingForce Operations, and NWP 3-02.2 (series),Ship-to-Shore Movement, for additionalguidance.2. Relationship to OtherPlanningDetailed planning for the ship-to-shoremovement can begin only after the LF schemeof maneuver ashore is determined. Thelanding and fire support plans must becarefully integrated. The landing plan shouldprovide for requisite logistic support of allforces. Maximum attention will be given topreserving OPSEC during planning.3. Responsibilities for Ship-to-Shore Movement Planninga. The CATF, in close coordination withthe CLF, is responsible for the preparation ofthe overall ship-to-shore movement andlanding plan. Included in the planning is theselection of necessary approach and retirementlanes, check points, rendezvous areas, and aidsto navigation to facilitate movement of airlandedtroops. Where appropriate, other forcecommanders participate in this process. TheCATF is responsible for debarkation untiltermination of the amphibious operation,at which time the responsibilities for offloadof follow-up ships and LOTS operations maybe passed to another organization designatedby higher authority. In the case of anamphibious assault, the operation willnormally be terminated only after the entireAFOE is ashore. See Figure XIV-1 for theship-to-shore movement planning sequence.b. Commanders of other forces assignedto the amphibious force (including thoseassigned for movement to the operational areafor tasks not part of the amphibious operation)are responsible for determining and presentingtheir requirements to the CATF.c. The landing plan is prepared after thefinal allocation of means has been made. Itrepresents the integrated sum of detailed plansfor waterborne and airborne ship-to-shoremovement prepared by corresponding ATFand LF echelons at all levels. This plan shouldmaximize range and speed capabilities ofsurface assault craft and VTOL aircraft thatallow a coordinated assault over a wide rangeof potential landing zones. A flexible landingplan enables CATF and CLF to gain and retaintactical initiative, enhances operationalflexibility, takes advantage of enemy forcedispositions and weaknesses, and employs theXIV-3