The Military SeaLift Command has recently put into service (a few years ago) an Improved Lighterage System. Its purpose? To provide the Joint Services a ship to shore logistics system that is capable, adaptable and deliverable to whatever spot on the globe its needed.
So why do we need the MLP again? Before I answer, let me add...the system can be expanded to service several ships and is ready made to integrate with the JHSV. Working with current and projected amphibs would not be an issue either.
So the answer to the question is this. The Navy and Marine Corps for some ungodly reason, mixed the Assault Echelon, with the Assault Follow On Echelon and decided that they needed a ship to speed cargo ashore. Without considering that the Military Sea Lift Command would be arriving with the AFOE and would have the ILS with them.
Long story short. The MLP is a waste of money. The ILS will serve us well and bet your retirement funds on the MLP being converted to an Afloat Forward Staging Base. All 3 of them. Payback for the Corps will probably be the big LSD based on the LPD-17 hull.
_for_ship-to-shore_operations.jpg)
Want a good primer on what the Military Sea Lift Command is doing with this system? Follow the links below...
To read more about previous JLOTS exercises:
http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2010/August/mendonca.htm
http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2011/July/morocco.htm
http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2009/August/transcom.htm
http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2010/March/gap.htm
http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2010/March/lummus.htm
http://www.msc.navy.mil/N00p/pressrel/press08/press35.htm
NOTE: The image below shows the mixing of the AE with the AFOE. MSC ships alongside big deck amphibs with the MLP serving as a connector to the ship to shore connectors! If that isn't convoluted I don't know what is! Want another "what the fuck were the thinking" moment? With the Amphibious Combat Vehicle at sea range closed down to 12 instead of 25 miles off shore, the need for an MLP type ship is rendered moot.
So why do we need the MLP again? Before I answer, let me add...the system can be expanded to service several ships and is ready made to integrate with the JHSV. Working with current and projected amphibs would not be an issue either.
So the answer to the question is this. The Navy and Marine Corps for some ungodly reason, mixed the Assault Echelon, with the Assault Follow On Echelon and decided that they needed a ship to speed cargo ashore. Without considering that the Military Sea Lift Command would be arriving with the AFOE and would have the ILS with them.
Long story short. The MLP is a waste of money. The ILS will serve us well and bet your retirement funds on the MLP being converted to an Afloat Forward Staging Base. All 3 of them. Payback for the Corps will probably be the big LSD based on the LPD-17 hull.
_for_ship-to-shore_operations.jpg)
Want a good primer on what the Military Sea Lift Command is doing with this system? Follow the links below...
To read more about previous JLOTS exercises:
http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2010/August/mendonca.htm
http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2011/July/morocco.htm
http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2009/August/transcom.htm
http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2010/March/gap.htm
http://www.msc.navy.mil/sealift/2010/March/lummus.htm
http://www.msc.navy.mil/N00p/pressrel/press08/press35.htm
NOTE: The image below shows the mixing of the AE with the AFOE. MSC ships alongside big deck amphibs with the MLP serving as a connector to the ship to shore connectors! If that isn't convoluted I don't know what is! Want another "what the fuck were the thinking" moment? With the Amphibious Combat Vehicle at sea range closed down to 12 instead of 25 miles off shore, the need for an MLP type ship is rendered moot.
