These craft are capable of beaching where conditions permit and, with the exception of the LCPL, are provided with bow ramps for discharging personnel and equipment directly on the beach. Landing craft are usually preloaded and lifted to the objective area in the well of LHAs, LHDs, LSDs, and LPDs. WATERBORNE SHIP-TO-SHORE MOVEMENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explain the procedures for conducting a ship-to-shore waterborne movement, including the sequence of operation, preparation, and execution. Waterborne ship-to-shore movements are conducted in the following sequence: 1. Assembly and formation of landing ships, amphibious vehicles, and landing craft in the transport area. 2. Debarkation of troops and equipment from assault shipping into the landing craft and amphibious vehicles. 3. Transfer line operations, when required. 4. Landing of assault, combat support, combat service support, and reserve troops and their supplies. When underway launch of amphibious vehicles and/or preloading landing craft is used, the ship-to-shore movement is modified. The sequence begins with the underway launch of the troops and equipment from assault shipping by amphibious vehicles or landing craft, and then continues as just listed. FINAL PREPARATION As the ATF starts the final approach to assigned positions for the assault, ships prepare for the debarkation of embarked troops, equipment, and supplies according to previously prepared plans. The beginning of debarkation and the timing of the ship-to-shore movement depends on the designated H-hour. All elements must be prepared to modify timing on short notice to conform with changes to H-hour. SHIPS AND ELEMENTS POSITIONING To ensure that H-hour will be met, all elements of the ATF arrive on station sufficiently in advance of H-hour to permit preliminary operations between the time the signal “Land the landing force” is made and H-hour. The time required depends upon a number of things, such as the need for pre-H-hour transfers, the nature of loading, and the number of scheduled waves. EXECUTION Prior to the arrival of the assault elements in the transport area, the decision will have been made to execute either the primary assault plan or one of the alternate plans. The amphibious task force commander initiates the landing with the landing force signal. When the signal has been made, ships that are debarking troops or material in the scheduled waves will take the actions that are necessary to meet the prescribed H-hour, and boats and craft that are being discharged proceed to the assembly area. After being advised on the progress of debarkation and consulting with the landing force commander, the amphibious task force commander will either confirm or modify H-hour. DEBARKATION LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explain debarkation, debarkation areas, and control areas. List the day and night procedures for calling boats alongside and into the well deck area. Designated debarkation stations are used for off-loading troops into boats alongside. Debarkation nets for debarking over the side of the ship are used by all troops to be landed in boats except those accompanying equipment preloaded in craft. The following paragraphs pertain to the debarkation process. DEBARKATION AREAS Landing craft or boats are placed in assembly circles, wave-forming circles, or rendezvous areas (fig. 12-4) prior to dispatching them for their duty. 12-4