High-Speed Sealift/Agile Port Operational Concept

Abstract

How might emerging High-Speed Sealift (HSS) operating in conjunction with Agile Ports (AP) enhance Department of Defense (DOD) power-projection capability? The goal is to develop a concept for how a combination of HSS ships and Agile Ports, operating in concert with complementary technologies, focused logistics, and advanced management information systems, may be applied by the DOD to accelerate the movement of high-priority cargo to crisis and conflict locations. The capability sought is rapid entry into a theater of operations in support of missions requiring the projection, employment, and sustainment of forces across the entire spectrum of military operations: deterrence, Operations Other Than War (OOTW), or war. HSS ships can perform critical delivery tasks that will allow U.S. forces to increase their operational and logistical flexibility. For example, an appropriately configured HSS ship has the potential to assist the halting and build-up phase by transporting cargo that is normally moved by air, but is prevented from doing so by aircraft shortages or in-theater airfield constraints; transporting equipment and materiel for an Airborne Battalion Task Force (BTF) to an Intermediate Staging Base (ISB), or transporting to the theater of operations the equipment and cargoes of a Light Infantry BTF or an Air Assault BTF; or transporting during surge critical resupply items with early Required Delivery Dates (RDDs), such as Class V (ammunition), Class VIII (medical), or Class IX (repair parts). The incorporation of AP technologies into the coordinated commercial and defense transportation systems provides a superb complement to the overall value of HSS. In addition, Agile Ports significantly enhance and supplement conventional sealift by providing a conduit for the incorporation of next-generation technologies supporting both DOD mobility and the general efficiency of commercial shipping.