Amphibious Warfare (AMW) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) candidates completed the Ship-to-Shore Movement week, part of the 15-week AMW WTI curriculum, onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia, June 28.

Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center's (SMWDC) AMW WTI course expands candidates' knowledge of sea control and power projection from an AMW perspective; SMWDC also qualifies WTIs in three other surface warfare specialties - Anti-Submarine Warfare/Surface Warfare, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, and Mine Warfare.

Ship-to-shore movement week is focused on power projection ashore, and combines classroom lectures and on-site integration with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, Naval Beach Group (NBG) 2 and subordinate units. Students learn power projection ashore through fires and maneuver, as well as the capabilities and craft control methods of the U.S. Navy surface connectors - which transport Marines and Sailors to and from the beach.

Expeditionary Warfare Training Group-Atlantic delivered classroom lectures ahead of on-site integration where WTI candidates took a deeper dive into capabilities of Landing Craft Utility, Landing Craft Air Cushion, and other supporting equipment. NBG-2 assets are the foundation of the East Coast's amphibious surface ship-to-shore capabilities.

Ship-to-shore movement week is rooted in amphibious doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). The newest edition of the dual service Navy Tactics Techniques, and Procedures (NTTP) 3-02.1M/Marine Corps Tactical Publication (MCTP) 13-10E, Ship-to-Shore Movement Manual, was released earlier this year. The newly released doctrine updates the legacy 2007 and 2018 editions, and incorporates and expands on Joint Publication JP 3-02, Amphibious Operations doctrine, and other relevant publications. This manual also provides the detail required by amphibious task force and Landing Force (LF) commanders and staffs to plan and conduct amphibious operations, specifically the ship-to-shore movement of any LF size.

WTI candidates visited HSC 22 and received a briefing about MH-60S Seahawk helicopter capabilities and their integral support to AMW. Students then observed Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU-4, and discussed their units' available assets that support ship-to-shore movement, and the planning, embarkation, rehearsal, movement, and action (PERMA) phases of amphibious operations.

Lt. Carley Tadlock, SMWDC AMW Division's ship-to-shore week manager, stressed the importance of engaging one-on-one with NBG, BMU, and ACUs during the AMW WTI course.

"Understanding our ship-to-shore connectors' capabilities and limitations is critical to the detailed planning and overall success of amphibious missions," said Tadlock. "Orienting students to NBG and subordinate echelons' operations - and how they fit into the fight - expands our WTIs' knowledge, improves their tactical planning skills, and prepares them to provide commanders with the most informed recommendations, ensuring our amphibious forces are on time and on target."

AMW WTI course 19-1 is halfway through the fifteen-week course of instruction. The WTI candidates are scheduled to graduate August 23, 2019 and will join the Surface Warfare community's cadre of Warfare Tactic Instructors across the fleet. If you are interested in applying for the WTI program, email SWO_WTI@navy.mil or contact your detailer today!

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