Posted on 02/04/2019 9:29:17 AM PST by Freeport
By CW4 Michael W. Carr (Retired) – “Hey, you guys want to haul some ammo and gear out to San Clemente Island for us?” asked the SEAL officer.
“Sure”, said the Army Warrant Officer, without really thinking about what his agreement might entail. For the Army Marine Warrant almost any reason to get his 174 ft. LCU underway on a mission was a good idea. Underway was always better than sitting tied to the dock.
“Sweet”, the SEAL said. “Here’s what we need you to do,” and he began explaining the process of loading gear and ammo at the Navy Amphibious Base in Coronado CA, and sailing the load to San Clemente Island, 80 miles NW of San Diego off the California coast.
It’s the details of an operation that will eat you up; weather, tides, mechanical systems, individual skills, fatigue, unforeseen events. These all combine in unforeseen ways to either magically assist you towards success, or to insidiously produce roadblocks, delays, obstacles & chaos.
Success in maritime operations requires two essentials: an unceasing willingness to adapt and change with conditions, and an equally extensive set of skills and techniques in dealing with challenges. From ship-handling to knot tying a mariner must have a plethora of talents.
Little did the Army Warrant Officer realize how many of these skills would be needed over the next 24 hours.
“So, first you need to come to the ramp here at Coronado, and load our truck and Gators, and then sail over to North Island and load the ammo.” Directed the SEAL. “But you have to do this at night, we don’t do anything during the day,” he added.
(Excerpt) Read more at gcaptain.com ...
Our GIs can get er done when not over managed.
No wonder he was good, he graduated from the Coast Guard Academy, then went Army after 10 years of Coast Guard. To become an Army Warrant Officer instead of being a C.G. Line officer. Guess operating an LC was more fun than being a dive master in the C.G.
Wanders away scratching head?
Gunner
Great story!
The problem with the “V” was that the ramps were made for Navy LUC’s These craft are 135 feet long and draws 3 feet forward. I spent my last year of active duty at Assault Craft Unit One. We made a run to the island weekly to deliver gear they needed for Navy AA and shore gunfire training.
I’ve shipped a lot of trucks and equipment, including large cranes to San Clemente Island for various projects. The Navy uses a maritime company with barges up to 300 feet long.
You wouldn’t believe the amount of effort, logistics and detail it takes do this.
Great story....thanks
“You wouldn’t believe the amount of effort, logistics and detail it takes do this.”
You ought to see the effort and logistics that goes into loading an Amphibious Assault Ship (LHA/LHD) for a WestPac deployment.
40,000 tons empty, 880ft long. Submersible well deck. Flight deck 90ft off the waterline. A giant bread box.
Filled with an entire Battalion Landing Team, an integrated air assault squadron and air logistics.
6 VSTOL aircraft and 40 helos. Tanks. APCs. Arty. Jeeps.
And all the fuel, ammo, meds and supplies to support them independently for 30 days once they’re on the beach.
Outstanding!
For later.
L
Why didn’t they just use the hover crafts at Camp Pendleton?
Oh yeah, I’ve seen pics of this type of vessel. Very interesting, even without the logistical drama.
As described, the ramp is very steep. Hovercraft don’t handle step well. In a steep landing, they wallow and will get hung up if the skirt separates appreciably from the surface they are running over.
Besides, they have other duties.
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