Navy Demonstrates Joint Amphibious Operations During Exercise Brilliant Scepter

Naval Beach Group (NBG) 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 and USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR 300) collaborated during training exercise Brilliant Scepter March 4-8.

Brilliant Scepter displayed the Navy’s ability to perform at sea loading operations for the various vehicles, equipment and units of the armed services without the need of amphibious ships coming ashore.

The exercise provided realistic and relevant training such that naval units deploy from a ship to build a functional camp for a Marine or an Army presence. This capability allows U.S. military units to provide a quick amphibious response in the event of a crisis or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief event.

“This system is essential in our ability to project power where and when we need it,” said Army Lt. Col. Kent Strader, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet’s deputy director of future operations. “This exercise is especially important because even if there were a disaster on the American coast, we [the military] would be able to respond.”

Participating amphibious vessels included the Improved Navy Lighterage System, also known as causeway ferry, and the Roll-on/Roll-Off Discharge Facility. These smaller crafts have the unique ability to perform amphibious operations by landing on a beach. Ground forces then can load vehicles and units on the vessel to later be placed in a maritime pre-positioning squadron.

“It’s the Navy’s responsibility to support the ground troops, and we are able to do this by getting them supplies so that the Marines and Army can carry out the mission,” said Lt. Allen Cordorva, a beachmaster with Beachmaster Unit One. “They help to set the first footprint on land, basically having an assault echelon come in and secure the beach.”

Brilliant Scepter provides an operational advantage for both ground and maritime forces, and a strong naval presence supports the success of ground force’s efforts.

U.S. Third Fleet leads naval forces in the eastern Pacific from the west coast of North America to the international dateline. Joint, interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. Third Fleet’s ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

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Naval Today Staff, March 20, 2013; Image: US Navy