CHAPTER 12
AMPHIBIOUS DUTIES
A special amphibious signal system for
ship-to-shore movements is used when amphibious
landings are conducted. Panels, shapes, flags, and
lights are used for this system. Do not confuse these
signals with any of those in ATP 1, volume II, or the
International Code of Signals. Review the amphibious
signal system instructions in NWP 22-3,
Ship-to-Shore Movement, for complete details on all
amphibious signals and instructions. This chapter
covers just the basics that you, as a Signalman, need
to know for an amphibious landing.
AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Explain the general
concept of an amphibious operation
ship-to-shore movement.
The ship-to-shore movement is the portion of the
assault phase of an amphibious operation that includes
the deployment of the landing forces from assault
shipping to designated areas. Its object is to ensure the
landing of troops, equipment, and supplies at
prescribed times and places and in the formation
required by the landing force scheme of maneuver for
operation ashore. Ship-to-shore movement may be
executed by water, air, or a combination of both. It
commences at the order of the Commander,
Amphibious Task Force (CATF), and concludes when
the unloading of all assault shipping is completed.
AMPHIBIOUS SHIPS AND CRAFTS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify and
explain the duties of ships and landing crafts
involved in an amphibious operation.
The following ships and landing craft are vital to
carrying out the operation of an amphibious assault.
COMMAND SHIP (LCC)
The amphibious command ship serves as a
command ship for the amphibious task force (ATF),
landing force, and tactical air commanders during an
amphibious assault. It also provides facilities for a
joint communications center, supporting arms
coordinating center, and central control of both the
waterborne and helicopterborne ship-to-shore
movement. The LCC may also provide facilities for
the task force medical regulating center, but has
limited medical facilities and is unsuitable as a major
casualty receiving and treatment station.
GENERAL-PURPOSE
ASSAULT SHIP (LHA)
The LHA combines many of the operational
capabilities of other amphibious ships. It has
helicopter operating facilities greater than those of an
assault ship (LPH), and has well deck capacity twice
the size of a transport dock (LPD). The LHA is also
capable of carrying the landing craft, air cushion
(LCAC) in the well deck. The LHA also provides
facilities for Navy and Marine command and control,
including a helicopter direction center and a medical
regulating control officer. When augmented with
appropriate personnel, LHAs serve as primary
casualty receiving and treatment ships and provide
triage functions and early definitive medical and
surgical care for combat casualties.
MULTIPURPOSE ASSAULT
SHIP (LHD)
The LHD is the largest class amphibious ship in
service. It has improved capabilities over the LHA, in
particular; the LHD is able to operate conventional
landing craft, LCAC, fixed-wing tilt-rotor aircraft,
and helicopters.
TRANSPORT DOCK (LPD)
The LPD transports and lands troops and their
equipment and supplies by means of landing craft,
amphibious vehicles, and helicopter. An LPD can
function as a primary control ship (PCS) for
waterborne crafts, but it has limited boat haven,
helicopter storage, and control facilities. Some ships
of this type are configured with Navy and Marine
command and control facilities. The LPD has less
extensive medical facilities than the LPH/LHA, but
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