FOREWORD 

The future operating environment will continue to be characterized by national 

and international challenges that will stretch the employment capacity of the US 

military and demand a force in readiness with capabilities for a global response. 

We must expect a security landscape characterized by volatility, instability, complexity and access challenges across all domains. The solution to today’s problem 

requires the ability to fight across all domains in a holistic, coordinated manner 

along with the ability to project power and control the sea. The readiness, rapid 

responsiveness, flexibility, precision and strategic mobility of naval forces are essential to ensuring continued access and security in the global commons and the 

littoral regions that boarder them. As the Nation prepares for an uncertain future, 

the Naval Services provide essential capabilities to deter conflict, build alliances, 

deny sanctuary, enable influence and, when required, project power against 

increasingly lethal and asymmetric adversaries.

The United States of America is a maritime nation. As a global power it employs 

seapower to protect US interests, shape a favorable security environment, foster 

global security and prosperity, signal US resolve, defend the homeland, and win 

decisively when required.1

 The Marine Corps as a naval, expeditionary forcein-readiness provides “flexible and sustainable options from sea to the littoral” 

for executing the essential naval functions: all domain access, deterrence, sea 

control, power projection, and maritime security.2

 As the Nation’s expeditionary 

force in readiness the American people expect the Marine Corps to respond 

quickly and to win; to do what must be done in “any clime and place” and under 

any conditions. These attributes will continue to shape the Marine Corps’ ethos, 

culture , organization, training, equipment, and priorities.

Marine Corps prepositioning is a global coverage capability that is enabled by its 

1

A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Sea Power (CS21R), March 2015, pgs. 9 and 19.

2

CS21R, pg. 19.

border
inherent mobility and strategic laydown. Our current prepositioning operational 

capabilities can support limited steady state operations which are inclusive of 

forward presence. The objectives of forward presence being “the recurring 

dividends of ‘soft power’ applied with a richer military dimension; the deterrent 

effect of imediate, credible, and effective action to thwart potential adversaries; 

and the expanded operational reach and tactical flexibility to defeat foes throughout the littorals.”3

 Crisis response is a critical enabler for US power projection of 

the right forces in the right place at the right time. Prepositioning supports the 

Marine Corps doctrine for rapid employment of expeditionary forces. It includes 

both afloat and ashore programs that are forward sited to reduce reaction time in 

providing combatant commanders (CCDRs) with scalable, tailorable Marine AirGround Task Forces (MAGTFs) to address limited objective missions for a short 

duration across the range of military operations (ROMO).

Michael Dana

LtGen, U.S. Marine Corps

Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics

3

Expeditionary Force 21 (EF21), 4 March 2014, pg. 2 (Forward).

Ronald L. Bailey

LtGen, U.S. Marine Corps

Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations

G. Dana

effect of immediate, credible, and effective action to thwart potential adversaries;
I

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forward

Purpose 1

Chapter 1 2

Marine Corps Prepositioning Programs 2

Program Overview 2

Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) 2

Overview 2

Characteristics 2

MPF Operations 2

Squadron Composition 4

Application of MPF Across the ROMO 5

Capability Sets 9

Aviation Logistics Support 10

 Support Equipment (SE) 10

 Expeditionary Air Field (EAF) 10

 Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE) 11

 Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) Equipment 11

 Aviation Logistics Support Ship (T-AVB) 11

Naval Construction Element (NCE) 11

Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) 12

MPF Fly-in Echelon (FIE) 14

Navy Support Element (NSE) 14

Logistics Planning Considerations 14

Marine Expeditionary Brigade 14

MPS Characteristics 16

MPS Berthing 20

MPS Ship-to-Shore Capabilities 21

MPS Interoperability Considerations 23

Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway (MCPP-N) 24

Overview 24

MCPP-N History 24

MCPP-N Operations 25

Application of MCPP-N Across the ROMO 25

MCPP-N Logistics Planning Factors 27

Host Nation Support 29

(MEB)
Chapter 2 30

Marine Corps Prepositioning Program Management 30

Tailoring 30

Overview 30

Tailoring Cycle 30

Stakeholder Engagement 31

Prepositioning Program Logistics Reference Tools 31

Marine Corps Prepositioning Information Center (MCPIC) 32

MPF MEB Force Structure Playbook 33

Prepositioning Programs Equipment Playbook 34

Chapter 3 36

Marine Corps Logistics Command 

(MARCORLOGCOM)/Blount Island Command (BIC) 36

Overview 36

MPF Maintenance Cycle (MMC) 37

Appendices 

A. MPF History and Program Enhancements (1977-2015) A-1

B. Naval Forces Supporting MPF Operations B-1

C. MPF Capability Sets C-1

D. Strategic Airlift Sorties D-1

E. Marine Corps Prepositioning Information Center (MCPIC) E-1

F. MPF MEB Force Structure Playbook F-1

G. Prepositioning Equipment Playbook G-1

H. MPF Maintenance Cycle (MMC) H-1

Tables

I MPF and MCPP-N Equipment and Supplies I-1

II MPS Interoperability II-1

III Reference Publications III-1

IV Acronyms and Abbreviations IV-1

Maritime Prepositioning Ships’ Namesakes

II
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 MPF Operation Overview 4

Figure 2 MPSRON Ship Composition and Deployment Stations 5

Figure 3 Crisis Response Force Packages 7,8

Figure 4 EMF Level III Capability 13

Figure 5 Notional MPF MEB Organizational Structure 15

Figure 6 Notional MPF MEB Composition 15

Figure 7 MPS Characteristics 17,18

Figure 8 MPS Select Squadron Characteristics 19

Figure 9 MPS Berthing 20

Figure 10 Improved Navy Lighterage System, Watercraft and ABLTS 22

Figure 11 Application of MCPP-N Across the ROMO 26

Figure 12 MCPP-N Storage Locations 27

Figure 13 MCPP-N Storage Site Characteristics 27

Figure 14 MCPP-N Transportation Considerations 28

Figure 15 MMC Historical Dates 37

III
PURPOSE

The purpose and intent of this handbook is to highlight the operational and 

logistics aspects of the Marine Corps’ prepositioning programs that have significant influence in determining the future type, quantity, configuration, and storage of equipment and supplies aboard MPF and MCPP-N. The future inventory 

is developed through a deliberate and coordinated planning process known as 

Tailoring. 

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the MPF and the MCPP-N programs, the 

characteristics of each, and key logistics planning considerations. Chapter 2 

discusses Marine Corps prepositioning program management and centers 

around the Tailoring process which includes applying Commandant of the Marine 

Corps (CMC) Planning Guidance to form the notional Force List (MCBul 3501), 

producing the Prepositioning Objective (PO) published in the NAVMC 2907, and 

planning for the loading of Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS) throughout the 

MPF Maintenance Cycle (MMC). This chapter also discusses the tools available 

to the prepositioning programs stakeholders that assist in the Tailoring process. 

Chapter 3 provides an overview of Marine Corps Logistics Command (MARCORLOGCOM) and Blount Island Command (BIC), their participation in the Tailoring 

process, and the execution of the MMC.

1
CHAPTER 1

MARINE CORPS PREPOSITIONING 

PROGRAMS

The Marine Corps Prepositioning Programs consists of the MPF and MCPP-N. 

Each provide combatant commanders select equipment and supplies to support 

MAGTFs up to the size of a MEB for up to 30 days when combined with the 

unit’s Fly-in-Echelon (FIE) of organic supplies and equipment1

.

MARITIME PREPOSITIONING 

FORCE

OVERVIEW

The primary purpose of the MPF program is to enable the rapid deployment 

and engagement of a MAGTF anywhere in the world in support of our National 

Defense Strategy. This strategic capability combines the capacity and endurance 

of sealift, the speed of airlift, and forward positioned equipment and supplies to 

enable a rapid response capability2

. The MPF concept has had a dynamic history 

of evolving to meet the changing needs of the geographic combatant commanders (GCC) while adapting to programmatic pressures including force structure 

reductions and tightening fiscal constraints. A synopsis of the evolution of the 

MPF Program, from its inception in the late 1970’s to today’s lean and flexible 

scalability, can be found in Appendix A.

CHARACTERISTICS

MPF Operations

An MPF operation includes the airlift of a MAGTF and Navy elements with selected 

equipment into an arrival and assembly area to join with equipment and supplies 

that are carried aboard MPS. More detail regarding the naval forces supporting 

MPF operations may be found in Appendix B.

An MPF operation may also consist of a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) interacting with more than one Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron (MPSRON). 

Figure 1 depicts the movement of an MPF MAGTF via the FIE to the Arrival and 

Assembly Area (AAA), the movement of the Offload Preparation Party (OPP) 

which prepares the MPS equipment and supplies for offload, and the movement 

of an MPSRON to the AAA for supplies and equipment offload. This offload may 

be executed at either a host nation port facility, or from seaward by means of 

1

Marine Corps Order 3000.17, Marine Corps Prepositioning Programs, dated Oct 2013

2

Marine Corps War Fighting Publication (MCWP) 3-32, Maritime Prepositioning Force Operations dated 21 Nov 2011

2
an in-stream offload. The MAGTF then assembles with the offloaded equipment 

in the AAA and moves to their Tactical Assembly Areas (TAAs) from where they 

will advance toward the objective. Marine Corps MPF concept and employment 

differ from those of the sister Services. MPF is able to transition from a Major 

Combat Operation (MCO) focused capability to a more scalable option that supports limited employment through the selective offload of tailorable sustainment 

packages and at-sea transfer of personnel and equipment necessary to support 

conventional and Special Operations Forces (SOF). MPF provides a tailored 

employment option for low spectrum operations while retaining high end deployment capability, allowing MPF to be scalable across the full ROMO.

3
Integral to the success of an MPF operation are the actions of several organizations and units not depicted in the figure. The Survey, Liaison and Reconnaissance Party (SLRP) is deployed in advance of the MPF in order to evaluate the 

AAA before the arrival of MPS. The Logistics Combat Element’s (LCE) Landing 

Force Support Party (LFSP) coordinates with the Navy Support Element’s (NSE) 

Beach Party Team (BPT) to play a crucial role in MPF throughput. The Departure 

Airfield Control Group (DACG) is responsible for the throughput of personnel and 

equipment at the aerial port of embarkation (APOE) and the Arrival Airfield Control Group (AACG) is responsible for the same at the aerial port of debarkation 

(APOD). Each MSE also organizes Arrival and Assembly Operations Elements 

(AAOEs) that are orchestrated by the Arrival and Assembly Operations Group 

(AAOG) to ensure the proper distribution of supplies and equipment during the 

execution of arrival and assembly operations.

Figure 1 MPF Operation Overview 

Squadron Composition

Figure 2 provides the composition of the two MPSRONs. MPSRON-2 is sited at 

Diego Garcia and MPSRON-3 is sited at Guam/Saipan. Although deployable anywhere around the world, only the MPSRON deployment stations are depicted.

4
Figure 2 MPSRON/Ship Composition and Deployment Stations

MPSRON 2 consists of: one BOB HOPE Class T-AKR (Large, Medium Speed, 

Roll-on/Roll/off Ships, also known as LMSRs), USNS SEAY; one WATSON Class 

T-AKR, USNS SISLER; two BOBO Class T-AKs (MPF Vehicle Cargo Ship), USNS 

BUTTON and USNS LOPEZ; one modified SHUGHART Class T-AK, USNS STOCKHAM; one LEWIS & CLARK Class T-AKE (Dry Cargo Ammunition Ship), USNS 

LEWIS & CLARK; and one MLP (Mobile Landing Platform), USNS MONTFORD 

POINT3

.

MPSRON 3 consists of one BOB HOPE Class T-AKR, USNS PILILAAU; one WATSON Class T-AKR, USNS DAHL; three BOBO Class T-AKs, USNS BOBO, USNS 

WILLIAMS, and USNS LUMMUS; one LEWIS & CLARK Class T-AKE, USNS 

SACAGAWEA, and one MLP, USNS JOHN GLENN. 

Application of MPF Across the ROMO

In an effort to improve utility of MPF for use below the full MPSRON level, 

HQMC conducted programmatic-level analysis on the feasibility of tailoring 

individual ships to support the use of Crisis Response Force Packages (CRFPs). 

Whereas a full MPSRON supports up to a MEB-sized force, these new CRFPs 

will enable deployment and employment of both a light and medium capability in 

order to provide a crisis response capability below the full MEB level. Individual 

3

MPF MLPs are configured with the Core Capability Set and will be referred to as “MLP” hereafter.

5

MPS assignment based on ACMC Decision Memorandum dtd 27 July 2012. Location and MPSRON composition 

subject to change based on service and operational requirements.

ESDs, “ESD”

Expeditionary Transfer Dock (ESD),

ESD,
MPS will be tailored to support this initiative to the maximum extent possible 

within the limitations of the individual ship’s capabilities and equipment availability. 

The CRFP is not additive to the MEB table of equipment (T/E), but rather a 

subset of equipment and supplies packaged in a manner that maintains parity 

between MPSRONs, while providing operating forces with a scalable response 

based on specific mission requirements. The CRFPs are depicted in Figure 3. 

MPSRONs will be tailored to provide two light crisis response packages, a medium crisis response package, or a full MPSRON.

6
Figure 3 | Crisis Response Force Packages (CRFP)

CRFP Light -1 CRFP Light - 2

Ships

FIE Force ~ 3,900 Pax ~ 3,000 Pax

Overview Force

GCE: InfBn (rein) w/ LAVs, Tanks, Arty, 

AAVs

LCE: DS CLB (Task-organized)

ACE: R/W on-call 

CE: Force Recon ANGLICO

GCE: Inf Bn (rein) w/ LAVs, Tanks, Arty, 

AAVs

LCE: DS CLB (Task - organized)

ACE: R/W on-call 

CE: CAG

Sustainment

Force deploys with 3 DOS

DOS/DOA dependent on mission and 

MPS inventory

Force deploys with 3 DOS

DOS/DOA dependent on mission and 

MPS inventory

Mobility

2 Rifle Co (AAVs)

1 Rifle Co (MT)

On-call ACE

2 Rifle Co (MT)

1 Rife Co (AAVs)

On-call ACE

Capability Sets

AAFS, TAFDS, Sec, HERS, GERS, Elec 

Water, Food, Hab, Med 

AAFS, TAFDS, Sec, HERS, GERS, Elec, 

Water, Food, Hab, Med 

Navy Capability

3 CF, NSE, NCE 3 CF, 1 ABLTS, NSE

Missions

Security, HADR, DSCA, NEO, Defense Security, HADR, DSCA, NEO, Defense

T-AKE T-AKE

T-AK

MLP

T-AKR

7

ESD
Figure 3 | Crisis Response Force Packages (CRFP)

CRFP Medium CRFP Heavy (Full MPSRON)

Ships

FIE Force ~ 7,500 Pax ~ 15,000 - 18,000 Pax

Overview Force

GCE: (2) Inf Bn (Rein) w/ LAVs, Tanks, 

Arty, AAV 

LCE: DS CLB 

ACE: R/W On-call

CE: Force Recon ANGLICO, CAG

MEB-sized force centered 

around Infantry Regiment 

Sustainment

Force deploys with 3 DOS

DOS/DOA dependent on mission and 

MPS inventory

MPSRON deploys with up to 30 DOS 

(with FIE)

Mobility

2 Rifle Co (AAV)

4 Rifle Co (MT)

On-call ACE

1 Bn (AAV)

1 Bn (MT)

1 Bn (Air)

Capability Sets

AAFS, TAFDS, Sec, HERS, ERS, Elec, 

Water, Food, Hab, EMF 

All

Navy Capability

8 CF, 1 ABLTS, NCE, NSE 11 CF, 2 ABLTS, NCE, NSE, RRDF

Missions

Security, HADR, DSCA, NEO, Defense Full ROMO

T-AK

T-AKE

MLP MLP

T- AKR

8

T- AKR

T-AK

T-AKE

T- AKR

T-AK

T-AK

ESD ESD
Capability Sets

In order to execute specific mission profiles across the ROMO, selected equipment and supplies have been grouped together in ISO containers or palletized 

on the T-AKE to create complete capability sets (e.g., all the fuel or water storage 

equipment co-located) and loaded in such a manner (e.g. on the weather deck or 

right below the hatch square) so they can be quickly accessed during offloads.

These capability sets vary according to their function, but contain necessary 

items that the arrival and assembly forces or advance parties need in the early 

stages of operations to facilitate the arrival and assembly of the MPF MEB. The 

containers are appropriately marked for quick identification. Appendix C provides 

a brief description of these capability sets and special stowage assets, and a 

matrix reflecting how they have been spread loaded across the MPSRONs.

9
Aviation Logistics Support

Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-21.2, Aviation Logistics (AVLOG), 

establishes doctrine for planning and executing Marine aviation logistics.

Support Equipment (SE)

SE prepositioned within the MPF is primarily composed of larger assets meeting specific height and weight criteria (e.g. aircraft tow tractors, heavy maintenance cranes, etc.), Armament Weapons Support Equipment (AWSE), and SE for 

limited intermediate level maintenance. The SE within the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program, when combined with SE transported into theater via the FIE, 

comprise all the SE required to support each Type, Model, Series (T/M/S) aircraft 

during the first 30 days of combat operations. The flight ferry includes the SE 

required for initial aircraft operations, such as debarkation, recovery, staging, 

reassembly, and servicing. 

Expeditionary Air Field (EAF)

Airfield surfacing, arresting gear, airfield lighting, and all associated equipment 

for one EAF are resident within each active duty MAW. MPSRONs 2 and 3 

have the required airfield surfacing (AM-2), arresting gear (M-31), and terminal 

guidance (Fresnel Lens) to construct an EAF; however, it should be noted that 

the MPSRON does not have all the additional EAF support packages required 

to install the modular and expanded capability of an EAF-2000. The EAF packages 

spread-loaded across 3 ships within each MPSRON’s ships (and at the respective 

MAWs) can be used to construct an airfield where none exists or improve 

an existing airfield that does not possess the required capabilities. The components of the EAF: airfield surfacing, aircraft arrestment, airfield lighting, and 

visual landing aids (terminal guidance) can be used independently or as an encompassing system. Airfields can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the 

aircraft and mission.

10
Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE) 

AGSE is prepositioned on MPF for the MAW/MWSS and is designed and employed specifically for support of the ACE. These assets include the P-19 aircraft 

rescue firefighting vehicle, the Fire Suppression System (FSS), proximity firefighting ensembles (silver gear), MK-970 aircraft refueling vehicle, Helicopter 

Expeditionary Refueling Systems (HERS), and Tactical Aircraft Fuel Dispensing 

Systems (TAFDS). AGSE equipment aboard MPF, along with associated FIE requirements, provide an all-weather scalable capability that safely provides Aircraft 

Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) and fuel services to the ACE. 

Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) Equipment

All other equipment supporting ACE operations such as tents, trucks, forklifts, 

vehicles, radios, etc., are prepositioned aboard the MPSRONs for initial issue and 

distributed to the MWSS upon offload.

Aviation Logistics Support Ship (T-AVB)

The Aviation Logistics Support ships, T-AVBs SS WRIGHT and SS CURTISS, are 

not MPF assets but are in direct support of the MAGTF. These ships currently 

provide dedicated sealift for employment of a tailored Marine Aviation Logistics 

Squadron (MALS) in support of a MAGTF ACE for both fixed and rotary wing 

aircraft. Each ship is capable of berthing 325 Marines. For more detailed information about T-AVB characteristics and AVLOG planning considerations refer to 

MCWP 3-21.2 Aviation Logistics.

Naval Construction Element (NCE)

The NCE and is primarily composed of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 

(NMCB) and Naval Construction Regiment (NCR), known as “Seabees,” and 

provides deliberate engineering support, to include major construction, facilities 

repair, and other general support.

The NCE is a self-sufficient organization of approximately 700 Sailors. It has its 

own support structure, including medical, communication, food service/messing, 

supply, and maintenance capabilities. Additionally, a Seabee Battalion provides 

for its own security, including basic ground defense with crew served weapons, 

security patrolling, etc.

The NCE provides the MPF MEB with a wide range of construction capabilities. One company of the battalion provides “horizontal” construction; such as 

roads, airfields, and site preparation. Another company specializes in “vertical” 

construction of buildings and other structures. A third company, the utilities 

company, accomplishes electrical, plumbing and other utility work. The Battalion 

Headquarters Company provides all the internal support functions for the unit. 

11
Examples of the diverse missions that can be accomplished by the Seabee Battalion include support of the EAF, construction and maintenance of troop billeting, roads, standard and non-standard bridging, fuel storage and ammunition 

supply points, water wells, and bulk storage facilities.

Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF)

An EMF is loaded aboard one MPS of each MPSRON providing a 150 bed facility. 

Once off-loaded, the EMF provides comprehensive medical support for a theater 

facility capable of level III treatment and hospitalization. Figure 4 provides a list of 

Expeditionary Medical Facility’s Level III Capabilities. 

The EMF is available to support Marine Corps missions as directed by the Combatant Commander or Naval Component Commander. Medical personnel who 

assemble and operate the EMF are deployed from various Navy medical commands and flown into theater during a contingency. 

12
Figure 4 | Expeditionary Medical Facility Level III Capability

Mission Provide full resuscitation and emergency stabilization 

surgery of wounded/ill patients with the goal of maximizing 

return to duty for those not requiring medical evacuation 

rearward.

Capacity 150 Beds

40 Intensive Beds

110 Intermediate beds

Surgical Capacity 4 Operating Room Tables

(55 admissions/36 operative procedures daily)

Surgical specialties

General Thoracic

Urology Gynecology

Orthopedics Neurosurgery

Ophthalmology Anesthesiology

Oral surgery General dentistry

Includes

Triage

Limited blood bank (less frozen)

Supplies Deploys with 30 days of consumables, less dated and deteriorative items

30 day blocks

Site Footprint 13.45 Acres (54,035 m2)

Built-up Time Required Begins to receive casualties in 48 to 72 hours. 

Fully assembled in 5 days. 

Self-contained for daily operations

Requires external support for displacement

Requires links to external supply sources

Organic Base Support Staff and Patient Admin

Food Service

Blood Management

Laundry

General and Medical Supplies

13
MPF Fly-in Echelon (FIE) and Flight Ferry (FF)

An MPF operation employs more than just the MPS. Employing an MPF requires the strategic airlift of MAGTF personnel and a significant amount of unit 

organic equipment in what is known as the FIE. The FIE deploys to the AAA to 

assemble with the equipment and supplies offloaded from the MPS. The flight 

ferry is a subset of the FIE and includes the ACE’s self-deploying aircraft and 

aerial refueling support. The equipment assigned to the FIE generally includes 

equipment and supplies unable to fit on MPS, critical low-density assets, highvalue equipment, and supplies that were not prepositioned due to shelf life or 

calibration limitations. Deploying units also include in the FIE non-prepositioned 

equipment necessary to bring the unit to its full table of equipment (T/E) combat 

capability due to insufficient capacity aboard MPS. Sequencing the FIE should 

give the planner flexibility to deploy critical supplies or equipment to the area 

of operations, but must be accomplished by detailed coordination with external 

agencies via force deployment planning and execution systems when using the 

same arrival airfield. Appendix D provides the strategic airlift sortie planning considerations required to support the movement of the FIE based on the current 

notional MPF MEB force structure.

Navy Support Element (NSE)

The NSE is key to the execution of MPF operations. The NSE is comprised of 

units from the Naval Beach Group, Amphibious Construction Battalion, Assault 

Craft Unit, Beachmaster Unit, and the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion. 

NSE units are self-sustaining and deploy as part of the FIE with 200 to 850 

personnel, depending on the scope of the mission. They provide command and 

control, offload control unit personnel, lighterage crews, MPF utility boat crews, 

stevedores, transportation, maintenance elements, medical, life support and defense combat capabilities for the operation. Examples of NSE capabilities include 

INLS employment, Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer Systems (ABLTS) operations, 

and Beach Party Group Operations. Additional information about the NSE can be 

found in Appendix B.

LOGISTICS PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

Notional Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB)

The notional MPF MEB is comprised of approximately 16,000 Marines and 

Sailors, and is sourced from its parent MEF. The organization of the MPF MEB 

follows traditional MAGTF relationships, depicted in Figure 5, below. 

14
The MPF MEB Ground Combat Element (GCE) includes significant combat 

power consisting of tanks, artillery, assault amphibian vehicles, and light armored 

reconnaissance vehicles. A list of selected principal end items and supplies may 

be found in Table I. The notional MPF MEB also contains a robust Aviation Combat Element (ACE), Logistics Combat Element (LCE) and a Naval Construction 

Element (NCE) as displayed in Figure 6.

Figure 6 | Notional MPF MEB Element Composition

Components Description

Command Element 

(CE)

Provided by the MEF headquarters. The deputy MEF commander is typically 

designated as the MEB commander.

Ground Combat 

Element (GCE)

Regimental Combat Team (RCT) composed of a regimental headquarters, three 

infantry battalions, an artillery battalion of five firing batteries, a tank battalion, 

two combat engineer companies, two amphibious assault companies, a light 

armored vehicle company, and reconnaissance units.

Aviation Combat 

Element (ACE)

Composite Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) consisting of Fixed Wing (F/W), Rotary 

Wing (R/W), and supporting units to provide all or part of the six functions of 

Marine Corps aviation based on the size and mission of the MAGTF.

Logistics Combat 

Element (LCE)

Combat Logistics Regiment (CLR), composed of task-organized Combat Logistics 

Battalion (CLB), reinforced with functional supply, maintenance, transportation, 

engineering, and health services, to provide the full range of tactical logistics 

functions necessary to accomplish the mission.

Naval Construction 

Element (NCE)

Naval Construction Regiment (NCR) Detachment and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) provide deliberate engineering support to the MAGTF, 

to include major horizontal and vertical construction, facilities repair, and other 

general engineering support. The NCE increases the strength and capability of 

the organization beyond a typical MEB.

Figure 5 | Notional MPF MEB Organizational Structure

Command 

Element

Ground 

Combat Element

Aviation

Combat Element

Logistics

Combat Element

Naval

Construction 

Element

15
The notional MPF MEB Force List is crucial to the Tailoring process whereby 

force composition, supplies, equipment, storage, and employment are all taken 

into consideration in order to sustain an MPF MAGTF. During the Tailoring process, the MCBul 3501 Force List (output during Tailoring process) is updated and 

included as an enclosure/reference in the NAVMC 2907 Prepositioning Objective 

(output from the Tailoring process). Since that Tailoring cycle is continuous, depending on the maturity of the current cycle, the most up-to-date Force List will 

be found in the NAVMC 2907. 

Ship Characteristics

Whether pier-side or in-stream, MPS have unique capabilities to deliver outsized 

rolling stock, tracked assets, ammunition, supplies, bulk fuel and water. The MPF 

program currently has 14 prepositioning ships that include six T-AKs, four T-AKRs, 

and two T-AKEs. Two MLPs are the latest additions to the MPF Program (2015). 

The MLPs will provide combatant commanders the ability to offload rolling-stock 

from the side-port ramp of a T-AKR at distances of 12 - 25 nautical miles from 

shore. Other surface connectors, such as the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 

or Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV), are able to conduct vehicle or cargo transfer 

from the MLP to the shore.

Figure 7 provides the ship types and classes assigned to the MPF Program, their 

specific characteristics, and other key logistics planning considerations. This 

data may differ slightly from the official data in the Ship’s Loading Characteristics Pamphlets (SLCPs) due to configuration adjustments made since the latest 

SLCP publication date. SLCPs are updated by Maritime Sealift Command (MSC) 

and sent to BIC for uploading to Marine Corps Prepositioning Information Center 

(MCPIC).

16

ESDs

or Expeditionary Fast Transport (EFT), able to conduct vehicle or cargo transfer

from the ESD to the shore.
Figure 7 | MPS Select Ships’ Characteristics

MPF Ships/

Capabilities

BOBO Class Modified 

SHUGHART Class

LEWIS & CLARK 

Class

Type Number T-AK 3008/09/10/11/12 T-AK 3017 T-AKE 1, 2 

Length Overall: 673 ft 

Beam: 105 ft 6 in 

Displ: 40,846 ltons 

Length Overall: 849 ft 

Beam: 105 ft 7 in 

Displ: 59,468 ltons 

Length Overall: 689 ft 

Beam: 105 ft 7 in 

Displ: 42,416 ltons 

Ship Names USNS’s BOBO, BUTTON, LOPEZ, LUMMUS, WILLIAMS

USNS STOCKHAM USNS LEWIS & CLARK 

USNS SACAGAWEA 

Speed (Ec/Max) 12/17.7 kts 18/24 kts 14/20 kts 

Bbl Per Day 340 100 DFM/500 IFO 400

Draft 32 ft 36 ft 29.8 ft 

Medical Sick-Call Sick-Call Sick-Call 

Potable Water 98,990 gal; 36K/day* 160,320 gal; 19K/day 53,000 gal; 30K/day* 

Flight Deck 1 Spot (LVL II, CL 3) 

3012 – MV-22: Lvl II, 

CL4 

1 Spot, H53 (LVL II, 

CL 2/4) 

1 Spot, H53 (LVL I, CL 1) 

MV-22: Lvl I, CL 2/4 

Aircraft Parking (Hangar, etc.) N/A 2 MH-60s Hangar 2 MH-60S, Hangar: 

2,486 ft2, Crane 4K

Elevators (Cargo) N/A N/A (4) 8 ST 

(4) 6 ST

Ramp

(Capacities are pier side, 

and are reduced if operating with RRDF)

Stern (Semi-Slewing) 

110’Lx24’W 67.98 ST 

Stern (Slewing) 

138’11”L x 24’W 79.52 

ST Side-port capable

N/A

Square Feet (Gross) 

(unless occupied by 

TEUs)

154,000 ft2 258,006 ft2 N/A 

Cargo Cube (TEU) 560 TEU 545 TEU 953,700 ft3 

Lift On/Lift Off

Crane

(5) Cranes: 46.68 ST ea; 

Twin 87.36 ST; 

Triple 131.04 ST 

1) Twin 126.56 ST Aft 

(1) Single 63.84 ST 

Fwd 

(4) Cranes 11 ST

Cargo Fuel (JP-5) 1,250,000 gal 40,000 gal 1,160,000 gal

* Planners should consider production quantities include water for ships’ systems and crews

17
Figure 7 | MPS Select Ships’ Characteristics

MPF Ships/

Capabilities

BOB HOPE Class WATSON Class Monford Point 

Class

Type Number T-AKR 304, 302 T-AKR 311, 312 MLP 1, 2

Length Overall: 884 ft 

Beam: 105ft 10 in 

Displ: 62,833 lton

Length Overall: 905 ft 

Beam: 105 ft 9 in 

Displ: 61,790 ltons 

Length Overall: 785 ft 

Beam: 164 ft in 

Displ: 98,320 ltons 

Ship Names USNS PILILAAU 

USNS SEAY 

USNS SISLER 

USNS DAHL 

USNS MONTFORD 

POINT 

USNS JOHN GLENN 

Speed (Ec/Max) 18/24 kts 16/24 kts 13/17 kts 

Bbl Per Day 425 775 475

Draft 35 ft 33.6 ft 39 ft 

Medical Sick-Call Sick-Call N/A 

Potable Water 55,014 gal; 20.5K/day 70,646 gal; 16.5K/day 100,000 gal; 25K/day 

Flight Deck 1 Spot H53 (LVL 2,CL 

3/4) 

302 – MV-22: Lvl II, 

CL 4 

1 Spot H53 (LVL 3, CL 

3/4) 

MV-22: Lvl II, CL 4

1 Spot (USCG) – MOD 

Emergency Only 

Aircraft Parking (Hangar, etc.) N/A N/A N/A 

Elevators (Cargo) N/A N/A N/A 

Ramp

(Capacities are pier side, 

and are reduced if operating with RRDF)

Stern 79.52 ST (Slewing: L135’xW24’) Stern 79.52 ST (Slewing: L135’xW24’) 

1 Vehicle Transfer 

Ramp (VTR) (T-AKR 

side-port ramp, 79.52 

ST)

Square Feet (Gross) 

(unless occupied by 

TEUs)

315,000 ft2 353,000 ft2 25,000 ft2

Cargo Cube (TEU) 598 TEU 586 TEU 20 TEU

Lift On/Lift Off

Cranes

(2) Sets (Single 63 ST 

ea) (Twin – 126.56 ST)

(2) Sets - Sideport, 

Stern 

(Single 63 ST ea) 

(Twin – 126.56 ST) 

(1) 10 LT, (2) 5 LT

Cargo Fuel (JP-5) N/A N/A 380,000 gal 

* Planners should consider production quantities include water for ships’ systems and crews

18

ESD 1,2
In summary, the types and classes of MPS provide a responsive, flexible and 

scalable capability to the MPF Program. Some of the unique features that these 

ships bring to the MPSRONs include the T-AK which are capable of storing and 

transferring to shore bulk liquids, and the T-AKE which provides break-bulk stowage and selective offload option due to its unitized and palletized cargo. The 

T-AKR is designed to transport and offload heavier, out-sized rolling stock and 

equipment. The T-AKR and MLP work in tandem to provide skin-to-skin vehicle 

transfer from the T-AKR to the MLP via the T-AKR’s side-port. The USNS STOCKHAM, LEWIS & CLARK, and SACAGAWEA possess an aircraft refueling capability.

Figure 8 provides by-MPSRON roll-ups of selected key logistics planning considerations.

Figure 8 | MPS Select Squadron Characteristics

Squadron MPSRON - 2 MPSRON - 3

Capacity SqFt Max 1,036K Sqft 989K Sqft

Min 876K Sqft 885K Sqft

TEU Max 3,332 3,075

Min 2,409 2,241

JP-5 Storage 4.29M Gal 5.72M Gal

Water Storage 450K Gal 447K Gal

Water Production* 116K Gal/Day 128K Gal/Day

Range 10-12K Nm 10-12K Nm

* Planners should consider production quantities include water for ships’ systems and crews

19

ESD

ESD
MPS Berthing

A clearly defined allocation of staterooms and surge berthing greatly assists in 

deployment planning and ensures necessary personnel are adequately billeted 

aboard MPS to support MPF operations. 

Billeting assignments for the Navy and Marine Corps forces during transit, pierside and/or in-stream offloads will be coordinated between the OPP officer in 

charge (OIC) and the MAGTF Offload Liaison Officer (MOLO). To assist in this 

logistics planning process, Figure 9 reflects all available Crew, Marine Corps 

Maintenance Contractor (MCMC), OPP and surge berthing spaces available.

Figure 9 | MPF Ship Berthing Capacities

Ship Crew / MCMC Berthing OPP / Surge

MPSRON-2

 BUTTON 44 136*

 LOPEZ 44 136*

 SISLER 45 127

 SEAY 45 126

 STOCKHAM 42 130

 LEWIS AND CLARK 64 134

 MONTFORD POINT 34 12**

Total MPSRON-2 318 801

MPSRON-3

 LUMMUS 44 136*

 BOBO 44 136*

 WILLIAMS 44 136*

 PILILAAU 45 126

 DAHL 45 127

 SACAGAWEA 64 134

 JOHN GLENN 34 12**

Total MPSRON-3 320 807

MPF Totals 638 1608

*Includes 17 MPSRON staff spaces

**Embark Security Team only

20
MPS Ship-to-Shore Offload Organic Capabilities 

Each MPSRON has the ability to independently offload its rolling stock and containers in-stream without the use of a port facility. Each MPSRON deploys with a 

240 X 72 foot roll-on/roll-off discharge facility (RRDF) that provides a docking and 

ramp module to transfer primarily rolling stock ashore by connecting with either 

causeway ferry assemblies or other surface connectors. Rolling stock and twenty 

foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers are transferred ashore via the Causeway 

Ferry (CF). For planning purposes, the standard configuration is comprised of a 

2+1 combination which includes one beach module, one intermediate module 

and one power module. This configuration can move the equivalent of 7 MTVRs 

or 14 TEUs per trip to the beach. Navy watercraft are used to move, guide, and 

stabilize various surface connectors during loading and beach off-load operations. 

Another ship-to-shore capability resident on selected MPS is the Amphibious 

Bulk Liquids Transfer System (ABLTS) which is comprised of 10,000 feet of 6 

inch buoyant fuel hose and 10,000 feet of 4 inch buoyant water hose. The BOBO 

Class T-AK can pump fuel and water from up to 10,000 feet offshore from the 

landward discharge point. Figure 10 does not reflect capacity, but rather indicates 

how these capabilities are being spread-loaded across the MPSRONs based on 

planned configurations at the completion of MMC-11.

21
Although not normally considered a ship-to-shore capability, Rigid Hull Inflatable 

Boats (RHIB) are also available for transfer of personnel. There are two 7 meter 

RHIBs on each T-AKE and each is capable of carrying 15 personnel, which includes a two person crew.

Figure 10 | Improved Navy Lighterage System, Watercraft, and ABLTS (Planned 

MMC-12 Configurations)

Ship Warping 

Tug (SLWT)

2+1 Cause

Way Ferry*

RRDF Utility Boat LCM-8 LARC-V ABLTS

MPSRON-2

SEAY 1 3 2 2

BUTTON 1 3 2 1 2 1

SISLER 1 2 1

LOPEZ 1 3 1 1 1

STOCKHAM 1 1 1

LEWIS AND 

CLARK

MONTFORD 

POINT

MPSRON Total 5 11 1 7 2 4 2

MPSRON-3

PILILAAU 1 3 2 2

BOBO 1 3 3 2 1

DAHL 1 2 1

LUMMUS 1 3 1 1 1

WILLIAMS 1 1 1 1

SACAGAWEA

JOHN GLENN

MPSRON Total 5 11 1 8 1 4 3

MPF Total 10 22 2 15 3 8 5

*Standard 2 + 1 configuration. Other configurations include 1 + 1 (1 power module and 1 beach module), and 3 

+ 1(1 power module, 2 intermediate modules, and 1 beach module)

22
MPS Interoperability Considerations

MPS have been realigned into two MPSRONs. New capabilities have been introduced including completing the integration of T-AKR vessels and the introduction 

of the MLP and the T-AKE ships. These new platforms and concepts demand a 

greater degree of interoperability between ships, connectors and aircraft in order 

to provide the employment, selective offload of tailorable sustainment packages, 

and at-sea transfer of personnel and equipment. Table II provides three charts 

that depict the interoperability of MPS ship-to-ship, with surface connectors, and 

with aviation assets.

23

ESD
MARINE CORPS PREPOSITIONING 

PROGRAM–NORWAY (MCPP-N)

OVERVIEW

MCPP-N is a HQMC managed prepositioning program and is maintained in 

Norway in accordance with an MOU between the Government of the United 

States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway for the storage, maintenance, and prepositioning of equipment and supplies for a MAGTF. 

Operating costs are shared between the Marine Corps and the Government of 

Norway. Maintenance for the majority of MCPP-N equipment is conducted by 

Norwegian government civilians, supervized by Norwegian military personnel, 

with oversight provided by Marine Corps Logistics Command’s (MARCORLOGCOM) Blount Island Command (BIC). Some items are maintained by US personnel due to security restrictions4

. 

MCPP-N HISTORY

The Governments of the United States and Norway signed an MOU in 1981 

that initiated the Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary Brigade (NALMEB) 

Program. In 1982, a Basic Support Agreement between the Minister of Defense 

(MOD), Norway and the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. European Command, and a 

Storage Agreement between the Chief of Defense, Norway and the Commanderin-Chief, U.S. European Command solidified arrangements for the NALMEB program. Between 1985 and 1989, 673K square feet of storage facilities were built 

using NATO infrastructure funds. NALMEB achieved initial operational capability 

in January 1990. 

In 2004, the Commandant of the Marine Corps directed a NALMEB bottom-up 

review and re-designated the program as MCPP-N to signify its change in focus 

as a global response capability. During April to June 2011, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps convened a deliberate planning effort to develop options to strengthen 

the effectiveness of MCPP-N in a fiscally constrained environment. This resulted 

in recommendations to more closely align the prepositioned equipment set to 

strategic and operational requirements, while enhancing USMC prepositioning to 

better enable expeditionary operations. In January 2012, the Commandant of the 

Marine Corps codified the results of this planning effort by publishing his planning guidance for MCPP-N. This guidance directed the transformation of MCPPN to an equipment set, with associated capability sets, that supports a balanced 

MAGTF.

4

 MCO 3000.17

24
MCPP-N OPERATIONS

Based on the 2005 MOU, titled Memorandum of Understanding Governing the 

Pre-stockage and Reinforcement of Norway, signed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense and the Norwegian MOD, the Government of Norway provides the logistics infrastructure to support the storage, maintenance, withdrawal, movement, 

and recovery of prepositioned equipment and supplies. This support includes 

airbase facilities, transportation assets (both land and sea), security personnel, 

and the maintenance of prepositioned equipment.HQMC provides program guidance and oversight for MCPP-N and manages the program through the bilateral 

organizations as set forth in the Terms of Reference (TOR). The TOR is an agreement between the U.S. Marine Corps and Defense Staff Norway (DEFSTNOR) 

and sets forth the structure, functions, and responsibilities of specific agencies 

and organizations in support of MCPP-N.

APPLICATION OF MCPP-N ACROSS THE ROMO

MCPP-N stores equipment and supplies that support the stand-up of one or 

more MAGTFs conducting low to mid-intensity conflicts. The primary focus is to 

support a MAGTF built around a command element, an infantry battalion task 

force, a composite aviation squadron, and a logistics element. Support for simultaneous missions include theater security cooperation events and additional capabilities formed into adaptive force equipment sets designated for cold weather, 

route reconnaissance and clearance, security, bridging, and other equipment capabilities not organic to the MCPP-N MAGTF notional T/E. When augmented by 

the FIE, MCPP-N retains the ability to execute any of these employment options. 

The closure of a MEB requires amphibious or MPF augmentation in addition to 

the FIE. 

25
Figure 11 depicts the components of MCPP-N. In order to support these components, the MCPP-N equipment set was developed based off the requirement to 

support simultaneous operations with the ability to provide additional capabilities 

through the use of Adaptive Force Equipment Sets. These equipment sets include:

 Habitability: To support quality of life for the force 

 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN): To provide consequence management, and survivability of the force 

 Arrival and Assembly: To support the reception, staging, onward movement and integration of the MAGTF and follow-on MPF 

 Water production: To provide sustainable water production for additional 

forces 

 Bridging: To provide mobility and bridging capability to the force

 Fuel: To provide bulk storage and refueling capability 

 Electrical: To provide electrical distribution to the force 

 Mountain/cold weather (M/CW): To provide survivability for the MAGTF 

supporting the reinforcement of Norway. 

 Security: Enhanced force protection to provide infrastructure, survivability 

and base hardening

 Route reconnaissance and clearance (R2C): To provide mobility and survivability of the force

Figure 11 | Application of MCPP-N Across the ROMO

Components of MCPP-N Description

MCPP-N MAGTF This primary equipment set supports a shorebased, balanced MAGTF that is built around 

an infantry battalion, composite squadron 

and logistics element enabled for crisis 

response.

3x Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) Special Purpose 

(SP) MAGTFs

Three company (REIN)-sized Special Purpose 

MAGTFs (SPMAGTF) engagements.

Adaptive Force Equipment Sets Capabilities that are not part of the MCPP-N 

MAGTF organic tables of equipment (T/E) are 

identified and prepositioned.

MEB Augmentation Additional equipment and supplies as 

deemed necessary and remains within a 

MEB’s requirement can be prepositioned.

26
MCPP-N LOGISTICS PLANNING FACTORS

The equipment and supplies that support MCPP-N are stored and maintained in 

six caves and two storage facilities co-located with Air Stations in the Troendelag 

region of central Norway. Their locations are depicted in Figure 12 and characteristics of these facilities are provided in Figure 13.

Figure 12 | MCPP-N Storage Locations

Figure 13 | MCPP-N Storage Site Characteristics

Harsh climate prevents outdoor storage/maintenance. In-rock (caves) for all Ground Equipment and 

Supplies. Dehumidified storage buildings for Aviation Support Equipment (ASE).

Ground Equipment Gross SqFt Net SqFt

Frigaard Equipment/supplies 247,435 192,577

Tromsdal Equipment/supplies 286,016 218,281

Bjugn Equipment/supplies 140,458 118,941

Aviation Support Equipment

Vaernes Garrison R/W reception site 104,871 57,079

Oerland Main Airstation F/W reception site 22,076 19,768

Munitions

Hammernesodden Ground 36,693 19,142

Hammerkammen Ground 37,338 20,164

Kalvaa Air/Ground 55,308 27,169

Ground Totals 673,909 529,799

Aviation Totals 126,947 76,847

Munitions Totals 129,339 66,475

Grand Total 930,195 673,121

27
Due to topological and weather conditions in Norway, special consideration must 

be taken when operating and maintaining equipment. Examples of these considerations include the use of tire chains which are required in Norway during 

certain months of the year. Also to be taken into logistics planning considerations are the unique petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL) that are required when 

operating in severe cold weather. Details about which oils and fuel additives are 

required can be found in the individual equipment technical manuals.

In order to effectively and efficiently plan and coordinate transportation and distribution of MCPP-N supplies and equipment during a withdrawal exercise, operation or contingency, Figure 14 is provided and reflects the distances in miles and 

kilometers between key cave locations, rail heads and ports. Transportation planning should also take into consideration Norwegian roads and highway routes 

that pass through small towns and villages, and routes that are channelized due 

to tunnels and constricting terrain features.

Figure 14 | MCPP-N Transportation Considerations

Distances in 

Kilometers/

Miles

Oerland Bjugn Kalvaa Frigaard Vaernes HammerkammenTromsdal Hammernesodden

Airfields:

Vaernes 131/81 119/74 123/76 13/8 0 21/13 77/48 143/89

Oerland 0 14/9 10/6 133/82 131/81 144/89 162/100 167/104

Railheads:

Trondheim 100/62 84/52 88/55 38/24 36/22 49/30 106/66 171/106

Ports:

Hommelvik 122/76 109/68 114/71 15/10 14/9 27/17 84/52 150/93

Trondheim 100/62 84/52 88/55 38/24 36/22 49/30 106/66 171/106

Orkanger 57/35 68/42 64/40 76/47 74/46 87/54 144/89 209/130

Uthaug 5/3 14/9 12/7 137/82 135/84 149/92 162/100 167/104

Paper Mill 161/100 148/92 152/94 47/29 41/25 30/19 37/23 102/63

Verdal 143/89 129/80 133/82 66/41 61/38 50/31 21/13 84/52

Hammernesodden 167/104 154/95 158/98 148/92 143/89 131/81 104/64 0

28
HOST NATION SUPPORT

For employment in Norway, to include exercises, robust host nation support is 

provided by the Norwegian military to the MAGTF. Coordination for military and 

contracted support and services is conducted through the Norwegian National 

Logistics Command (NLC). Home Guard units throughout Norway provide force 

protection and other local support, with Home Guard 12 supporting forces falling 

in on MCPP-N in the Troendelag region of central Norway. Upon standup and 

employment of forces in Norway, the Host Nation Support Battalion (HNSBN) 

provides a significant service support capability and is attached to Marine Corps 

forces. The HNSBN mission is to provide limited logistic and engineer support to 

a MEB or elements of the MEB after arrival in Norway. The MEB commander will 

nomally receive operational control (TACOM or TACON) of designated capabilties of the HNSBN once the MEB is declared operational in the Key Employment 

Area (KEA) within Norway. Normally, the HNSBN will be attached to the Logistics Combat Element (LCE) of the supported Marine Corps formation.

29
CHAPTER 2

PREPOSITIONING LOGISTICS 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

TAILORING 

Overview

DC, I&L will lead, coordinate, and integrate all Marine Corps and Navy tailoring efforts. These tailoring efforts are part of a larger Tailoring Cycle that frames 

the deliberate and coordinated planning process to review and validate that the 

equipment and supplies prepositioned for MPF and MCPP-N are relevant capabilities that support operational concepts and are supportable within the Service 

program objective memorandum (POM).

Tailoring Cycle

There are three basic stages to the Tailoring Cycle: Guidance, Tailoring, and 

Execution. Operational and logistical guidance is promulgated by HQMC (PP&O 

and I&L). HQMC I&L will provide Tailoring guidance that is shaped by operational 

guidance and a myriad of logistics planning factors influenced by current and 

future enterprise strategies, operational demands, workforce/facility capacity, 

budgets, and program demands to meet maintenance and operational timelines. 

30
Tailoring guidance will establish a plan of action and milestones (POA&M) and 

identify Operational Planning Team (OPT) and Tailoring Working Group (TWG) 

timelines, schedules, objectives and requirements. Tailoring is then conducted 

over a period of 12-18 months to support an upcoming MPF Maintenance Cycle 

(MMC), implement new operational concepts or war fighting requirements, and/

or account for the fielding of new weapons systems and replacement of legacy 

equipment. Tailoring will be orchestrated by HQMC I&L (LPO-2) to bring program stakeholders together during multiple events, conducted over an extended 

period of time, to determine the future capabilities, equipment sets, and supplies 

for the prepositioning programs. Execution, conducted by MARCORLOGCOM 

(BIC), includes all actions required to implement the PO published in the NAVMC 

2907. The end state of the Tailoring Cycle is an optimized and integrated Navy 

and Marine Corps prepositioning capability that enables the operating forces (OPFOR) to execute their concepts of operations in support of crisis response and 

major combat operations. 

Stakeholder Engagements

Numerous engagements occur throughout the Tailoring Cycle to ensure that all 

stakeholders are given the opportunity to integrate their requirements into the 

Tailoring planning process. Tailoring OPTs and working groups review all aspects 

of the MPF and MCPP-N programs to optimize the future PO. Additionally, 

stakeholders can engage in shaping the MPF program through participation in 

the MPF Program Oversight Working Group (POWG) which addresses Navy and 

Marine Corps integration issues, or the semi-annual MCPP-N bilateral Program 

Management Group (PMG) which reviews prepositioned equipment and operational and deployment considerations with our Norwegian strategic partners. 

PREPOSITIONING PROGRAM LOGISTICS REFERENCE 

TOOLS

Overview

The Tailoring process requires the synchronization of inputs that include logistics 

reference data; authoritative data sources regarding force structure, acquisition 

cycles, equipment technical data, and ship characteristics; the MPF maintenance 

cycle; and information from the programming and budgeting process. In addition to collating and organizing this information in a way that supports responsive decision making, the process also demands interaction with prepositioning 

programs stakeholders from Marine Corps and Navy service level headquarters, 

the supporting establishment and the operating forces. The dynamic nature of 

multi-variable, multi-participant decision making demands effective tools that are 

automated, user-friendly and populated with accurate information that is recognized as authoritative by the entire enterprise conducting the decision making. 

31
Accordingly, HQMC I&L Logistics Plans and Operations (LPO) has coordinated 

the development of several prepositioning logistics reference tools. These tools 

include the Marine Corps Prepositioning Information Center (MCPIC), the MPF 

MEB Force Structure Playbook, and the Prepositioning Equipment Playbook. 

MCPIC, specifically the Prepositioning Decision Support and Analysis Tool (PDSAT), provides planners with analysis for current and future program decisions 

associated with optimizing the type and quantity of materiel prepositioned in 

MPF and MCPP-N. The MPF MEB Force Structure Playbook provides both equipment and personnel information for the operating force planner and tailoring 

process stakeholders, while the Prepositioning Equipment Playbook is a decision 

support tool designed for all MPF and MCPP-N stakeholders and senior leaders. 

Marine Corps Prepositioning Information Center (MCPIC)

MARCORLOGCOM (BIC), in coordination with HQMC I&L (LPO-2), maintains 

several enabling systems that facilitate management and provide visibility of 

on-hand equipment and supplies for MPF and MCPP-N. MCPIC is a web-based 

application developed to provide a central location for information and data for 

MPF and MCPP-N programs. MCPIC includes four features used by prepositioning planners:

 Prepositioning Decision Support and Analysis Tool (PDSAT): PDSAT 

provides planners with analysis for current and future program decisions 

associated with optimizing the type and quantity of materiel prepositioned in MPF and MCPP-N. PDSAT has the ability to receive specific 

reports from TFSMS in order to manage unit assignments to the MEB 

T/E, support user review and input, conduct force composition analysis, 

and interface with MCPIC for equipment configuration data to assess 

unit distribution and ship association.

 Prepositioning Planning System (PPS): PPS features plans for MPF 

and MCPP-N (with breakdowns available for MPSRON, individual ship, 

and ashore sites); associated reference data; POs; Component Stock 

List (SL-3) identified Table of Authorized Control Numbers (TAMCNs); and 

parent/child association requirements.

 Prepositioned Equipment and Supplies Viewer (PES-V): PES-V provides users with the ability to query data for equipment and supplies 

deployed on MPS, as well as MCPP-N data by cave location.

 Knowledge Management Explorer (KME): KME, a simplified version 

of Microsoft Office SharePoint, is the central repository for MCPIC document control and prepositioning documents.

32
MCPIC is currently going through a transition to MCPIC 2.0 that will provide 

these capabilities in a more integrated manner. Appendix E provides selected 

screen shots from PDSAT and information on the transition to MCPIC 2.0.

MPF MEB Force Structure Playbook

The MPF MEB Force Structure Playbook was developed by HQMC (LPO-2) to 

more easily display equipment and personnel requirements at the MEB and Major Subordinate Element (MSE) levels with the ability to navigate and drill-down 

into company and detachment level details. This playbook is hosted on the LPO-2 

SharePoint site (https://eis.usmc.mil/site/hqmclp/lpo).

The MPF MEB Force Structure Playbook is a one-stop shop data source for 

displaying a visual architecture, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), and 

TAMCN level details at the company and detachment level to facilitate MARFOR 

validation. This tool provides data fidelity to enable more effective and efficient 

synchronization of personnel skill sets with equipment requirements (and vice 

versa) to create MAGTF and unit capabilities. This information is displayed in four 

interactive sections within the Playbook:

33
 Information Section: Contains purpose, instructions, POCs, and other 

update sections.

 MEB Transition Section: Allows the user to view past, current, and 

future Force List diagrams by fiscal year.

 MEB Force List Section: Contains an interactive display of the MEB 

broken out by MSE.

 Reports Section: Allows users to view indicator thresholds throughout 

the tool and allows them to print specific unit summaries.

In addition to assisting the MARFORs with assessing capabilities and honing in 

on areas that may require resource validations and/or trade-offs, the MPF MEB 

Force Structure Playbook provides detailed analysis and discrepancy reports 

based on pre-defined planning factors. Analysis report examples include: comparing equipment density to numbers of drivers, operators and mechanics in 

the force structure; identifying equipment parent/child relationships (e.g., prime 

movers to trailers); and validating MAGTF capabilities. Authoritative systems 

such as TFSMS, PDSAT and MCPIC are leveraged to provide data accuracy and 

consistency.

Appendix F provides the introductory screen shot from the MPF Force Structure 

Playbook.

Prepositioning Equipment Playbook

The Prepositioning Equipment Playbook was developed by HQMC I&L (LPO-2) as 

a decision support tool for prepositioning program stakeholders and the primary 

means for identifying and reconciling equipment requirements registered as PO 

and/or approved acquisition objective (AAO). The playbook reconciles data from 

several sources into an easy-to-use and dynamic database. The data links to information sources from MCPIC/PDSAT, TFSMS, Item Applications File (Item Apps), 

and Total Lifecycle Management-Enterprise Asset Posture Tool (TLCM-OST). By 

identifying inconsistencies between systems of record and authoritative data 

sources, the playbook provides an effective method for PO validation and refinement during the Tailoring process. The Playbook displays valuable equipment 

data, portrayed in several summary view sections:

 TAMCN Breakdown Section: Provides detailed information on every 

TAMCN in the prepositioning programs. Important issues related to 

EFIS, MPF and MCPP-N are also tracked.

 Summary View Section: Provides attainment ratings for commodity 

programs, an equipment discrepancy summary and program costs.

 Program View Section: Provides data similar to the Summary View, but 

34
gives a greater focus to individual prepositioning programs.

 TAMCN View Section: Provides descriptions, pictures, strategic distribution and focused prepositioning data on each Principle End Item (PEI). 

This section has the capability to apply user-specified criteria to filter the 

equipment population in order to perform specific analyses.

 Tailoring Issues Section: Provides ability to track issues related to 

different categories such as associations, affordability, prepositioning 

criteria, fielding, and configuration requirements.

To ensure the Playbook remains a relevant decision support tool, it is accessible 

on the LPO SharePoint site (https://eis.usmc.mil/site/hqmclp/lpo), and is viewable 

in any internet browser window. Other capabilities being added include: streamlining PO validation processes used by Tailoring Working Groups, and integrating 

ship schedules, attainment levels, and MMC data in order to mitigate equipment 

shortfalls.

Appendix G provides the introductory screen shot from the Prepositioning Equipment Playbook.

35
CHAPTER 3

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS 

COMMAND (MARCORLOGCOM)/

BLOUNT ISLAND COMMAND (BIC)

OVERVIEW

MARCORLOGCOM is the lead for attaining, maintaining, and providing logistics 

support for Marine Corps prepositioned equipment and supplies. MARCORLOGCOM also plays a key role in the Marine Corps Prepositioning Programs by providing direct input to the determination of the PO for packaged POL for ground 

equipment, personal demand items, personal equipment, health service support 

(HSS) supplies, and repair parts. BIC, a subordinate command of MARCORLOGCOM, plans, coordinates, and executes the repair, replacement, stock rotation, 

and load planning efforts for the Prepositioning Programs. 

36
THE MPF MAINTENANCE CYCLE (MMC)

BIC executes the MPF mission by means of the MMC which is a continuous process that renews the equipment and supplies embarked on each MPS. Alternating between the two MPSRONs, MPS will sequentially depart assigned Areas of 

Operation (AO), arrive at BIC, and offload its equipment and supplies. The equipment and supplies undergo a 60–100 day process during which they are inspected, repaired, replaced, and/or rotated. The MMC process is completed when all 

the MPS in both MPSRONs are back-loaded with condition code A, SL - 3 complete equipment and accompanying supplies. The majority of the work is done on 

site at BIC, but some maintenance is conducted at the depots or other locations. 

Replacement items are sent to BIC based on the requirements and the backload 

schedule for each MPS. During this same period, each MPS will undergo its own 

maintenance cycle at contracted shipyards within CONUS. Each ship returns to 

BIC upon completion of its shipyard maintenance, is back-loaded, and returns 

to its assigned AO. In one year during MMC-11, 1,156 active duty, government 

service and contractors processed approximately 2,800 principle end items and 

1,300 TEUs. Figure 19 lists the dates of MMC 1 through 12. A detailed discussion of the MMC may be found in Appendix H.

Figure 15 | MMC Historical Dates

Start Finish

MMC-1 4-Oct-86 2-May-89

MMC-2 1-Jun-89 10-Aug-90

MMC-3 19-Nov-91 19-Apr-94

MMC-4 5-May-94 3-Sep-96

MMC-5 5-Sep-96 12-Jan-99

MMC-6 21-Jan-99 29-May-01

MMC-7 30-May-01 17-Feb-04

MMC-8 1-Dec-03 3-Jul-07

MMC-9 30-May-07 21-Jul-10

MMC-10 15-Sep-10 14/01/14

MMC-11 23-Jan-14 14-Feb-17

MMC-12 Feb-17 Feb-20

Note: Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm (DS/DS) occurred during MMC-2 and MMC-3. This is the only 

time the Marine Corps ceased MMC operations at Blount Island Command (BIC) as they deployed to Al Jabil to 

conduct Reconstitution planning.

37
38
APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: MPF HISTORY

The history of the MPF Program is provided below and reflects the development 

and refinement of the program since inception. They include the development 

and growth of the program, the enhancement of the program’s capabilities, and 

MPF realignment.

1977-1980 (Origin)

In 1977, Presidential Review Directive 18 was signed by President Carter and 

created the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF) to fill the gap in military 

forward presence in the Persian Gulf. By 1980, the Marine Corps had equipment 

and supplies aboard seven MSC chartered vessels as part of an interim prepositioning and forward presence capability known as the Near Term Prepositioning 

Force (NTPF).

These dedicated ships were loaded in Wilmington, North Carolina in July 1980 

and the NTPF became fully operational in 1981. The equipment and ship maintenance for the NTPF was conducted in Naha, Okinawa and Subic Bay Naval Base, 

Republic of the Philippines during designated maintenance periods. In 1981, 

planning was initiated for a more permanent prepositioning force. 

Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, Georgia began to obtain equipment and 

30 days of supplies (all classes) for the permanent prepositioning force. Concurrently, MSC began contracting for ship conversions and for new ships. The result 

was 13 ships organized into three squadrons, depicted in the below figure and 

strategically located to support global coverage. The MPF program became operational between 1984 and 1986.

The Original 13 MPS

Operating Company Waterman Maersk Amsea

Vessel Name SS OBREGON

SS KOCAK

SS PLESS

MV HAUGE

MV PHILLIPS

MV BONNYMAN

MV BAUGH

MV ANDERSON

MV LUMMUS

MV BUTTON

MV LOPEZ

MV WILLIAMS

MV BOBO

Maximum Speed 20 knots 16.4 knots 17.7 knots

Draft 34 feet/

10.36 meters

33 feet/

10.05 meters

33 feet/

10.05 meters

Range 13,000 NM 10,000 NM 12,000 NM

Note: Data provided as general ship capacity/capability. Actual numbers may vary and should be confirmed with the 

MPSRON Staff or MSC.

A-1
The Original 13 MPS

1984-1986 (Activating MPF)

MPSRON-1 became operational in 1984 on the U.S. east coast, supporting the 

6th Marine Amphibious Brigade (MAB) (all MABs were re-designated to MEBs 

in the late 1980s), and was relocated following Operation Desert Storm to the 

Mediterranean Sea to establish a forward presence in the European theater. MPSRON-2 replaced the NTPF ships in the Indian Ocean (Diego Garcia) in 1985 and 

continued to support 7th MAB based at Camp Pendleton, California. The first two 

squadrons were loaded at Wilmington, North Carolina in 1984-85. MPSRON-3 

was established in the Pacific Ocean (Guam and Tinian) in 1986 supporting 1st 

MAB based in Hawaii. The third squadron was loaded at Panama City, Florida in 

1986. The ammunition for all three squadrons was loaded at the Military Ocean 

Terminal, Sunny Point, North Carolina.

1990 (Desert Shield/Desert Storm)

Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (DS/DS) validated the MPF concept when 

the MPF supported the establishment of the first self-sustaining, operationally capable force in northern Saudi Arabia. The first battalion of the 7th MEB 

occupied its defensive positions within four days of the MPS arrival. The first 

nine MPF ships from MPSRON-2 and MPSRON-3 offloaded in August 1990 and 

provided equipment and 30 days sustainment for two-thirds of the Marine Corps 

forces ashore, as well as supporting United States Army forces. The ships of 

MPSRON-1 offloaded in December 1990.

1999-2003 (Enhancement Ship)

Based on lessons learned from DS/DS, enhancement ships (E-ships) were 

requested from Congress and in 1999, the first of three E-ships was added to 

the original 13 vessels, with one E-ship planned for each MPSRON. By 2003, all 

three E-ships, depicted in following chart, were operational. The E-ships provided 

additional space to support the loading of a 500 bed Fleet Hospital, a Naval 

Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) or Seabee Battalion, and an Expeditionary 

Airfield (EAF) to each MPSRON.

In January 2003, 11 MPS were offloaded in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM

(OIF) and reconstituted between July and November 2003. In February 2004, selected equipment and supplies from MPSRON-2 were used in support of OIF - II. 

A-2
2003 (Ship Remix)

During Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, 11 MPS were already downloaded and presented an excellent opportunity to re-configure the MPS Squadrons in order to 

balance the square footage and container lift capability and to enable the mirror 

imaging of like ships in each MPSRON that is still in effect today.

A detailed analysis was conducted and the Commandant of the Marine Corps 

approved the concept in June 2003. That same month, a SPMAGTF was established to execute the remix, which was completed by November 2003.

As a result of the remix plan, MPSRONs were reconfigured from homogeneous 

composition (each squadron composed of mainly one class of ship) to heterogeneous composition (every squadron as alike as possible with regard to composition). This remix mitigated programmatic and operational challenges based on 

ship characteristics and load-out capabilities and increased interoperability. Ancillary benefits of this approach included increases to the overall level of training, 

familiarity, and technical expertise of the Navy and Marine Corps operating forces 

for in-stream and pier-side offloads, and provided the ship operating companies 

with greater flexibility to rotate crews globally. 

2008-2012 (New Platform Integration & Deactivations)

The introduction of additional armor for vehicles in order to improve survivability caused excessive stress loading on the five MAERSK ships, resulting 

in buckling between frames on vehicle stowage decks. The decision was 

made to eliminate the MAERSK ships, which were also close to the end of 

their leasing period, and replace them with three Large, Medium Speed, 

Roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) ships, which are designated T-AKRs. As a result of 

this transition, additional capacity for containers and bulk fuel had to be 

leased, augmenting the MPF program by one container ship, the USNS 

FISHER and one fuel tanker ship, the USNS GIANELLA. 

The Enhancement MPS

Operating Co. Keystone Keystone Keystone

Vessel Name USNS MARTIN USNS STOCKHAM USNS WHEAT

Maximum Speed 17 knots 24 knots 20 knots

Draft 36 feet/

10.97 meters

35 feet/

10.66 meters

35 feet/

10.66 meters

Range 16,000 NM 12,000 NM 12,000 NM

Remarks Any water produced and stored on E-ships is to support Ship’s Crew and the 

Offload Preparation Party (OPP). 

E-ships do not have any water or fuel discharge capabilities

A-3
2013 -2015 (MPS Realignment & New Platforms) 

As agreed to by the Under Secretary of the Navy on 20 April 2012 and the 

President’s Budget-13, MPF posture and MPSRON composition depicted above 

continue to support GCC-stated OPLAN requirements; provide global coverage, 

forward presence, and crisis response; and accepts risk. The Marine Corps views 

this risk as acceptable given the continued funding of two enhanced MPSRONs, 

comprised of sufficient lift capacity forward-deployed, along with the procurement of one additional T-AKR, two T-AKEs, and two MLPs.

T–AKEs are uniquely designed to provide multiproduct logistics support and 

provide MPF break-bulk stowage and a selective offload capability. This versatile 

supply platform maintains robust underway replenishment capabilities for both 

dry and wet cargo that can re-supply other ships in the squadron and ground 

forces as required.

The MLP is a large auxiliary support ship that helps provide enhanced throughput 

capability for the MPF and facilitates delivery of vehicles, equipment, personnel, and supplies to restricted access locations ashore. These ships significantly 

Transition to Two MPSRONs

 MPSRON-2 DIEGO GARCIA MPSRON-3 GUAM/SAIPAN

% of MEB 30-day requirement MPSRON-2 MPSRON-3

Square Feet 71% 67%

20-Foot Containers 61% 67%

Fuel 37% 50%

Water 13% 15%

Average squadron capacity is 69% of MEB square-foot lift requirement. 

*Final delivery and MPSRON assignment TBD

STOCKHAM LUMMUS

BUTTON WILLIAMS

LOPEZ BOBO

LEWIS & CLARK SACAGAWEA

MONTFORD POINT GLENN 

SISLER SEAY DAHL PILILAAU

A-4

* *

ESDs.

ESD
reduce dependency on foreign ports, provide support in the absence of a port, 

and are especially useful during disaster response and for supporting forces once 

ashore. Troops, equipment, and cargo will be transferred to the MLP by T-AKRs 

and then moved ashore by surface connectors.

A summary of the evolution of MPF capability from its inception to the present is 

provided in the diagram below.

MPF Ship Evolution 

A-5

ESD
APPENDIX B: NAVY FORCES SUPPORTING MPF 

OPERATIONS

The U.S. Navy provides critical enablers for the conduct of MPF operations. The 

Navy task organizes forces into four main elements to provide the critical infrastructure that facilitates the offload and reconstitution of MPF shipping.

Navy Forces Supporting MPF Operations

Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Force (CMPF): The CMPF and his staff 

are a task organized command element established for the offload and back-load 

of MPF operations. In order to best facilitate the timely and efficient conduct 

of MPF operations, the CMPF and his staff coordinate their actions with the 

MAGTF Commander and his staff. The CMPF establishes a staff to handle command functions and provide tactical level command, control and coordination 

of the MPS, offload elements, and seaward force protection. A depiction of this 

organization is provided above.

Commander, Navy Support Element (CNSE): The Naval Beach Group (NBG) 

Commander is normally designated Commander, NSE. The NSE supports MPF 

operations by providing the personnel and materiel that will facilitate the offload 

and backload of MPF shipping in-stream and/or pier-side. The NSE is composed 

of the Offload Control Unit (OCU) which directs the ship to shore movement via 

offload control elements (OCEs) for each ship; the Beach Support Unit (BSU) 

responsible for base camp, transportation, supply, construction, and lighterage 

support; the Beach Party Group (BPG) which provides craft to control the surf 

zone and vehicular/cargo control on the beach; and the Defense Unit (DU) which 

B-1
provides defensive combat operations for the NSE. The NSE parent organizations 

and their capabilities are listed in the table below.

The NSE provides the following resources for the in-stream offload of an MPSRON:

 Crews to support the operation of 2 LCM-8s and 7 Utility Boats (UBs)

 Crews to operate 2 to 3 Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer Systems 

(ABLTS)

 Crews to man 11 Causeway Ferries (CF) (24 hour operations)

 Crews to man 5 Warping Tugs (WT) (24 hour operations)

 Hatch teams to conduct Lift-on/Lift-off (LO/LO) operations

 Crews to build and operate a Roll-On Roll-Off Discharge Facility (RRDF)

MPF Navy Support Element

Parent Organizations Critical Enablers for the conduct of MPF Operations

Amphibious Construction Battalion 

(ACB)

Construct, operate, and maintain Navy Lighterage assets, 

such as causeway ferries, warping tugs, and Roll-on, Roll-off 

Discharge Facility (RRDF).

Construct and operate an 850 man NSE camp for one MPSRON.

(Construct and operate a 1,200 man NSE camp when 

supported by ACB assets from home port.)

NSE camps include the following capabilities: command and 

control, berthing, electrical generation, water purification, 

galley, showers, heads, medical, CBR defense, and other 

Quality of Life (QOL) assistance.

Assault Craft Unit (ACU) Operate and maintain assault craft for ship-to-shore movement and offload of MPF ships

Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) Trained and equipped to load and unload Navy and Marine 

Corps cargo carried on MPF ships, merchant breakbulk ships, 

container ships, and military/commercial aircraft.

Operate and maintain expeditionary ocean and air cargo 

terminals.

Beach Master Unit (BMU) Trained and equipped to facilitate the movement of troops, 

supplies, and equipment over beaches to and from MPF 

ships.

Trained and equipped to facilitate the evacuation of 

casualties and Prisoners of War (POWs).

B-2
 Beach Party Teams for in-stream operations

 Manpower capability to build an 850-man NSE camp

The capabilities and manpower required for a pier-side offload of one MPSRON 

are significantly less than those needed for an in-stream offload. Consequently, 

for pier-side operations, the manning structure needed to facilitate simultaneous 

LO/LO and Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO/RO) operations is reduced. For pier-side operations the various Naval Commands provide sufficient personnel to the NSE units 

to accomplish the mission set forth in the concept of operations.

Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron (COMPSRON):The 

COMPSRON and his staff operate under the administrative control of the MSC, 

U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and under the operational control 

of a numbered fleet commander. The command relationship for the COMPSRON 

may change when the ships are offloaded in support of MAGTF operations. Upon 

completion of the offload, the ships of the MPF may remain in the area to support reconstitution or become part of the strategic sealift common user sealift 

pool (CUSP) for USTRANSCOM. The COMPSRON staff may remain onboard the 

MPS or augment personnel requirements for the numbered fleet commander. 

During MPF operations, the COMPSRON staff coordinates the arrival and departure of MPSRON ships to anchorage or port facilities within the AOR. In addition, 

the COMPSRON staff may coordinate ship movements for MSC chartered ships 

supporting MAGTF operations in a particular theater.

Coastal Riverine Group (CRG): Personnel, materiel, and equipment from a CRG 

provide force protection in the MPF Arrival Assembly Area (AAA). The Seaward 

Security Officer (SSO) is responsible for establishing and promulgating seaward 

security and exclusion zones. The Landward Security Officer (LSO) is responsible 

for landward surveillance and security response, including preplanned responses 

for threats such as terrorist, conventional, or special forces attacks. This protection is accomplished through a broad array of command, control, and harbor 

protection capabilities for harbor approach defense, harbor defense, and port 

security. The CRG equipment and supplies are not loaded aboard MPSRONs and 

are FIE.

B-3
APPENDIX C: MPF CAPABILITY SETS AND QUICK 

ACCESS/SPECIAL STOWAGE

Capability Sets are blocks of equipment packaged together to perform a specific capability. These assets are not in addition to the prepositioning objective 

but rather are part of it. Every attempt is made to construct these capability 

sets from assets belonging to the same MSE. Capability sets are designed to 

support arrival and assembly, humanitarian or disaster relief missions. Quick access/special stowage cargo consists of assets requiring either special handling 

or special access due to the nature of the mission they support. The following 

text provides a brief description of the capability sets and quick access/special 

stowage assets, and is followed by a chart that reflects how these capabilities 

are spread-loaded across the MPSRONs for the planned MMC-11. The TEU and 

pallet quantities and composition of these sets are subject to change due to 

changes in load configurations and refined guidance. 

Capability Sets

Fuel Distribution - The Fuel Distribution Capability Set includes 4 capabilities. 

The Amphibious Assault Fuel System (AAFS) is the largest tactical fuel system 

and provides 1.2 million gallons of bulk fuel storage supporting the refueling of 

all MAGTF elements and equipment. The system can receive fuel from offshore, 

rail, tank trucks, or other storage facilities. In addition to storage, fuel can be 

transferred to another storage site or dispensed to individual containers, vehicles, tank trucks, and other fuel systems. Tactical Airfield Fuel Dispensing System 

(TAFDS) stores 320,000 gallons of fuel and is similar to the AAFS, but designed 

to support fueling of aviation assets. The Helicopter Expedient Refueling System 

(HERS) is designed for support of helicopter operations in advanced areas and 

remote sites. Each HERS contains eighteen 500 gallon collapsible drums and 

three 3,000 gallon collapsible tanks and can hold up to 18,000 gallons of fuel. The 

Ground Expedient Refueling System (GERS) is designed for support of ground 

vehicles in advanced positions. The GERS is easily transportable and highly mobile. It can operate two refueling points and is normally used in conjunction with 

500-gallon collapsible fuel drums or 3,000 gallon collapsible fuel tanks.

Water –This capability set provides a bulk water capability for immediate storage 

and production, as well as a limited dispensing capability. This set provides an 

operationally flexible 80,000 gallon storage and distribution capability comprised 

of 20,000 gallon water storage tanks. Each set contains two tactical water purification units, each of which can produce up to 1500 gallons of fresh water per hour.

C-1
Food – Each set supports 750 to 1,000 persons, while the maximum capability 

supports 4,000. For a notional MPF MEB, additional equipment must be offloaded in order to support a feeding volume of approximately 16,000 Marines and 

Sailors.

Habitability - Each habitability set is designated to provide initial tent camp and 

billeting requirements and consists of single container modules, each of which 

can support and shelter 80 Marines.

Medical –This medical set is designated for the LCE and consists of a 20-bed 

surgical and holding capability. This capability set should not be confused with 

the Expeditionary Medical Facility discussed under the MPF Characteristics section in the document text. 

Security -This capability set is designed to provide the MAGTF commander 

with an initial security capability to deter pilferage and terrorist activity during the 

offload of MPS.

Quick Access/Special Stowage

CBRN – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Equipment: The notional 

MEB T/E does not reflect the total requirement for all CBRN assets. CBRN assets are intended to be the third suit in the MEB deployment, the other two are 

designated as FIE. These assets are designed for LCE-managed replacement 

and replenishment and also includes CBRN items that are listed as Using Unit 

Responsible Items (UURI) within an SL - 3 for assets prepositioned aboard MPS.

Wash Rack System – Before the backload of an MPF operation, all maritime 

prepositioning equipment and supplies offloaded OCONUS must be washed 

and pass an inspection by U.S. Customs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

The wash rack system provides the ability to wash equipment and move it to a 

quarantine area through the use of its crossover or can be used as two individual 

ramps. A new commercial grade pressure washer has been added to this set 

to provide operating forces a complete capability. Consumable items such as 

sponges, soap rags, etc. are a using unit responsibility and should be a part of 

the FIE.

Armoring Assembly Set – This kit provides the tools and equipment required 

to facilitate the cab assembly process during Arrival and Assembly. This set must 

be augmented by either the MTVR Wrecker, 7Ton Crane, ship’s forklift or some 

other lifting mechanism capable of moving the cab, doors and MCTAGS from the 

bed of the truck. Generally these are loaded on the BOBO Class vessels due to 

their low deck heights which prevent MTVRs from being loaded with their cabs 

mounted.

C-2
MCTAGS (LVSR and MTVR) – Marine Corps Transparent Armored Gun Shield: 

These Quick Access Containers are mainly found on the BOBO Class ships due 

to their limited deck heights. When motor transport assets cannot be stowed on 

a deck with their MCTAGS and it is not possible to mobile load them, the MCTAGS are placed inside a 20’ Container and loaded on the weatherdeck for quick 

access. MCTAGS are compatible with all various crew-served weapon mounts 

while providing protection from direct small arms fire and IED fragments.

ARFF – Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting: This capability provides the aircraft basing 

site with aircraft rescue/recovery and fire-fighting to support the arrival of the 

flight ferry and follow-on aviation operations.

EMF – Expeditionary Medical Facility: One EMF is loaded aboard one MPS 

of each MPSRON and provides enough equipment and supplies to establish a 

theater hospital facility with up to level III care. It contains 150 beds, four surgical 

operating tables, and contains 30 days of supply sustainment.

NSE – Navy Support Element: NSE capability sets support the NSE mission to 

facilitate the offload and backload of MPF shipping in-stream and/or pier-side, as 

well as beach support operations. They are:

NSE Headquarters (NSE HQ) – This headquarters module provides 

tentage, equipment, and vehicles necessary for the establishment of 

the stand-alone NSE headquarters.

Base Camp Module (BCM) – This module provides the tentage, equipment, vehicles and supplies for the NSE base camp.

Beach Party Module (BPM) – This module provides tentage, equipment, vehicles and amphibian vehicles to support a stand-alone Beach 

C-3
Party Team.

Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System (ABLTS) – This module 

provides the equipment and kits to support bulk water and fuel transfer.

Roll-on/Roll-off Discharge Facility (RRDF) – This module provides the 

equipment, vehicles, kits and lighterage to operate the RRDF.

Craft Support Module (CSM) – This module provides the tentage, 

vehicles, lighterage and maintenance shops required for a stand-alone 

capability to perform lighterage support and repair.

NCE – NCE capability sets are composed of several modules for use by the 

NMCB, or Seabees. They are:

Seabee Construction Module (SCM) – This core module for Seabees 

provides tools, equipment and sustainment for 125 personnel. 

Seabee Sustainment Module (SSM) – This module provides unit level 

troop sustainment capabilities, as well as some spread-load equipment. 

Equipment Maintenance Module (EMM) – This module provides a 

unit level equipment maintenance capability, as well as some spreadload equipment and sustainment capability. 

P29 (Naval Construction Regiment - NCR) – This module provides 

command and control to Seabees assigned to the Navy Expeditionary 

Combat Command throughout the full ROMO.

Command and Control Module (CCM) – This module provides unit 

level command and control capability, as well as some spread-load 

equipment and sustainment capability.

P32 Construction Capability Augment (CCA) – This module provides a 

Water Well Drilling Rig.

EAF – Expeditionary Airfield: Each MPSRON is spread loaded with one EAF set 

which includes airfield surfacing (AM-2), arresting gear (M-31), and terminal guidance, but requires augmentation from aviation support packages flown in on FIE 

in order to install a fully operational all weather aviation forward operating base. 

C-4
MPSRON 2

LEWIS &CLARK*

NUMBER OF TEUS OR PALLETS

6

7

208

48

32

Quick Access / Special Stowage

11

2

*Numbers reflect pallet quantities.

SEAY

13

2

2

5

5

4

2

3

11

10

SISLER

2

2

4

6

168

3

11

10

STOCKHAM

54

26

6

4

2

2

3

11

8

2

125

LOPEZ

34

13

4

2

6

4

1

7

2

4

80

BUTTON

37

13

2

2

5

4

13

3

2

6

4

2

6

1

2

85

CAPABILITY SETS 

QUICK ACCESS/SPECIAL STOWAGE

Capability Sets

FUEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

 Amphibious Assault Fuel System (AAFS)

 Tactical Airfield Fuel Dispensing System (TAFDS)

 Helicopter Exp Refueling System (HERS)

 Ground Expedient Refueling System (GERS)

WATER 

FOOD (MREs)

HABITABILITY

MEDICAL

SECURITY

CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL RADIOLOGICAL NUCLEAR (CBRN)

WASH RACK SYSTEM

ARMORING ASSEMBLY SET

COMMUNICATIONS (COMM VANS)

AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING (ARFF)

EXPEDITIONARY MEDICAL FACILITY (EMF)

NSE (NSE HQ, BCM, BPM, ABLTS, RRDF, CSM)

SEABEE CONSTRUCTION MODULE (SCM)

SEABEE SUSTAINMENT MODULE (SSM)

SEABEE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE MODULE (EMM)

SEABEE COMMAND AND CONTROL MODULE (CCM)

SEABEE NMCB P29, NAVAL CONSTRUCTION REGIMENTS (NCR)

SEABEE NMCB P32, CONSTRUCTION CAPABILITY AUGMENT 

(CCA)

EXPEDITIONARY AIRFIELD (EAF) (FLAT RACKS)

C-5

Expedient Refueling System (HERS)
C-6

MPSRON 3

SACAGAWEA*

NUMBER OF TEUS OR PALLETS

6

7

68

416

21

32

32

Quick Access / Special Stowage

11

2

*Numbers reflect pallet quantities.

DAHL

13

2

2

8

1

168

3

11

10

PILILAAU

13

2

5

4

4

1

3

11

10

WILLIAMS

71

14

2

6

4

1

2

11

8

2

125

BOBO

37

13

2

2

5

4

13

3

2

2

9

4

1

2

85

LUMMUS

37

13

2

2

9

4

1

2

4

85

CAPABILITY SETS 

QUICK ACCESS/SPECIAL STOWAGE

Capability Sets

FUEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

 Amphibious Assault Fuel System (AAFS)

 Tactical Airfield Fuel Dispensing System (TAFDS)

 Helicopter Exp Refueling System (HERS)

 Ground Expedient Refueling System (GERS)

WATER 

FOOD (MREs)

HABITABILITY

MEDICAL

SECURITY

CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL RADIOLOGICAL NUCLEAR (CBRN)

WASH RACK SYSTEM

ARMORING ASSEMBLY SET

COMMUNICATIONS (COMM VANS)

AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING (ARFF)

EXPEDITIONARY MEDICAL FACILITY (EMF)

NSE (NSE HQ, BCM, BPM, ABLTS, RRDF, CSM)

SEABEE CONSTRUCTION MODULE (SCM)

SEABEE SUSTAINMENT MODULE (SSM)

SEABEE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE MODULE (EMM)

SEABEE COMMAND AND CONTROL MODULE (CCM)

SEABEE NMCB P29, NAVAL CONSTRUCTION REGIMENTS (NCR)

SEABEE NMCB P32, CONSTRUCTION CAPABILITY AUGMENT 

(CCA)

EXPEDITIONARY AIRFIELD (EAF) (FLAT RACKS)

21

13

3

68

416

7

6

13 13 14

37 37 71

2 2 2

2 2 2

2

4

5

13 13

5

4
APPENDIX D: STRATEGIC AIRLIFT SORTIES

The notional MPF MEB will require strategic airlift for FIE equipment sets and capabilities needed to support the combatant commanders’ mission requirements. 

The strategic airlift numbers provided below support a notional MPF MEB force 

structure’s equipment as identified in the NAVMC 2907. Actual requirements 

depend on the execution timeline and strategic sealift available to support the 

overall deployment timeline. 

MPF Notional Strategic Airlift Sorties

Airlift Requirement C-5 C-17 CRAF Total

Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Elements

CE 2 32 2 36

GCE 4 165 13 182

LCE 2 156 7 165

ACE 2 114 15 131

NCE 1 5 2 8

Advance Party Equipment 0 5 2 7

TOTALS 11 477 41 529

Naval Forces Supporting MPF Operations

NSE 3 14 6 23

Advance Party Equipment 1

TOTALS 3 15 6 23

MPF TOTALS 14 492 47 552

1. Strategic airlift supports the FIE requirements of a notional MPF MEB assigned to one MPSRON. C-17 

and CRAF quantities include FIE personnel.

2. Aircraft requirements based on Boeing 747. The destination airfield must have at least a 7,000 ft runway to accommodate Civil Reserve Air Fleet aircraft. 

3. The airlift requirement does not include the movement of rotary wing aircraft. 

D-1
APPENDIX E: MARINE CORPS PREPOSITIONING 

INFORMATION CENTER (MCPIC)

Developed in 2001, The Marine Corps Prepositioning Information Center (MCPIC) 

is a collaboration between MARCOLOGCOM (BIC) and HQMC (LPO-2). MCPIC 

is a web-based application developed to provide a central location for a wide 

spectrum of prepositioning information and data for the MPF and MCPP-N programs.

1. The Mission Framework module provides the ability to create and manage 

Prepositioning programmatic mission data, including MAGTF TO&E information, over multiple fiscal years. The Mission Framework is designed to provide 

E-1
the ability to tailor the Prepositioning MEB TO&E as well as any other missions that the prepositioning programs are tasked to support.

2. The Prepositioning Objective Management application provides the ability to 

create and manage a Prepositioning Object based off of predefined mission 

data from the Mission Framework. The Prepositioning Objective Management application allows for the Prepositioning Objective to be broken down to 

the unit/detachment level in order to validate the Approved Acquisition Objective in TFSMS.

3. The Equipment Lifecycle Management application provides the ability to manage the reference data for equipment utilized in all MCPIC 2.0 applications. 

Data is automatically pulled from TFSMS and FEDLOGS in order to support 

the Equipment Lifecycle Manager. The application is the central location for all 

reference data, association data, and fielding information for MCPIC 2.0.

4. The MPF Maintenance Cycle (MMC) Schedule application provides users the 

ability to view the approved MMC Schedule. 

5. Core Foundation Services is a centralized project management system that 

interacts with all other MCPIC 2.0 modules. The Core Foundation Services 

allows for the creation and tracking of projects and actionable tasks via other 

MCPIC 2.0 applications to provide a centralized view of project and task 

completion statuses. 

E-2
APPENDIX F: MPF MEB FORCE STRUCTURE 

PLAYBOOK

The MPF MEB Force Structure Playbook was developed by HQMC (LPO-2) to 

provide a one-stop shopping tool to validate the notional MPF MEB TO&E with 

the ability to navigate throughout the MAGTF structure and drill-down to the 

company/detachment level and assess MOS and Class II/VII (A-E TAMCN) details.

The Playbook is an interactive Adobe Flex-based tool which is accessible through 

SharePoint (https://eis.usmc.mil/site/hqmclp/lpo) and runs through any internet 

browser window. It provides a tool for the MARFORs to use during the MPF 

Tailoring Process to validate the notional MPF MEB requirements, balance unit 

T/Os with equipment (A-E TAMCNs), and validate the PO to support MARFOR 

operations across the ROMO. The MPF MEB Force Structure Playbook provides 

summary and analysis information at the MAGTF level all the way down to companies and detachments. The user can view MPSRON 2 and MPSRON 3. Summary pages show unit-specific breakouts of equipment (TAMCN level T/E, PO, 

and FIEs), and manpower. The Analysis sections provide roll-up and comparison 

metrics to assist with balancing the TO&E.

F-1
1. The Information section contains purpose, instructions, POCs, and other 

update sections.

2. The MEB Transition section allows the user to view past, current, and future transition diagrams and force lists by fiscal year.

3. The MEB Force List section contains an interactive display of the MEB broken 

out by Major Subordinate Elements (MSE).

4. The Reports section allows users to view indicator thresholds throughout the 

tool and allows them to print specific units’ summaries.

5. The Legend button at the bottom right of the page contains a Library of the 

force icons, symbols and names.

F-2
APPENDIX G: PREPOSITIONING EQUIPMENT 

PLAYBOOK

The Prepositioning Equipment Playbook was created by HQMC, I&L (LPO-2) as a 

decision-support tool and as the primary means for tracking equipment tailoring 

issues. The Playbook is an interactive Adobe Flex-based tool accessible through 

SharePoint (https://eis.usmc.mil/site/hqmclp/lpo) and can be run through any 

internet browser window.

The Playbook reconciles data from several sources into an easy-to-use and dynamic decision support tool. Data sources are: PDSAT, TFSMS, Item Apps, and 

TLCM-OST. Future releases of the Playbook will draw data from GCSS-MC. By 

identifying systems of record inconsistencies, the Playbook facilitates PO validation and refinement during the MPF Tailoring Process.

G-1
1. The Executive View Section provides a macro view of the enterprise and reflects relationships between programs and their advocacy by value or quantity 

of both AAO and On Hand.

2. The Program View Section provides attainment ratings for commodity programs, an equipment discrepancy summary and program costs.

3. The TAMCN View Section provides descriptions, pictures, strategic distribution and focused prepositioning data on each PEI. This section has the capability to analyze equipment that meets specified criteria.

4. The Conference Support Section provides the ability to track issues related to 

different categories such as association, affordability, prepositioning criteria, 

fielding, configuration and requirements.

G-2
APPENDIX H: MPF MAINTENANCE CYCLE (MMC) 

The MMC is a maintenance and supply regeneration, reconstitution, and embarkation operation that is focused on the combat readiness of MPF equipment and 

supplies. BIC generates the MMC plans and is responsible for their execution. All 

MMC activities are undertaken at BIC in Jacksonville, Florida with the exception 

of ammunition, bulk fuels and some depot maintenance required for certain assets. The MMC phase takes into account actions taken by the preceding acquisition and supply phases, and prepares the equipment and supplies and loads the 

MPS for the afloat phase which follows it. The MMC process, provided in the 

following chart, takes approximately 36 months for both MPSRONs and includes 

operating force, supporting establishment and Navy planning efforts. Actual ship 

off-load and back-load takes between 60 and 100 days. During the MMC the applicable MEF commander may assign a liaison team to BIC to not only oversee 

how equipment and supplies are being inspected, inventoried and packaged, 

but also in an effort to gain situational awareness of how the assets are loaded, 

configured and stowed aboard the MPS. The MPS returns from dry-dock or hull 

recertification, and embarkation of the revitalized equipment and supplies is then 

completed. Upon completion, information developed during the ship’s MMC is 

posted into MCPIC as end-of-ship information so operating forces have access to 

everything needed to plan and execute an MPF offload. 

H-1
The MMC Process

H-2
H-3
The MMC-11 Timetable as of September 2014

TYPE NAME CRFP 2014 2015 2016 2017

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F

T-AK LOPEZ (NEW A/F) CRFP HeavyT-AK WILLIAMS CRFP HeavyT-AKR SEAY CRFP-1 LightT-AKR DAHL CRFP MediumT-AKE LEWIS & CLARK CRFP-1/2 LightT-AKR SISLER CRFP MediumT-AK LUMMUS (FLAG) CRFP HeavyT-AK BUTTON (FLAG) CRFP-2 LightT-AKR PILILAAU CRFP-1 LightT-AK STOCKHAM CRFP HeavyT-AKE SACAGAWEA CRFP-1/2 LightT-AK BOBO (NEW A/F) CRFP-2 Light

MPSRON-2 ships Aft 6 5 5 5 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 5 4 4 4 4 4 5 6 6 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 6 6 6 6

MPSRON-3 ships Aft 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 6 6 5 6 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 6 5 5 4 4 4 6

TOTAL MPF SHIPS Aft 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 11 11 10 12 11 11 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 12

Note: Refer to MCPIC for the most current MMC timetable. 

MPSRON-2 ships MPSRON-3 ships 

H-4

H-5 H-4
H-5
TABLES

TABLE I

This table provides the Prepositioning Objective (PO) of select major end items 

aboard the MPF and MCPP-N programs upon completion of MMC-11 (2017).

MPF & MCPP-N MAJOR END ITEMS 

Nomenclature TAMCN MPF* MCPP-N Total

Combat Systems

HMMWV/ECV ARMT CARRIER D0030 166 87 253

TRK, UTIL, ECV, TOW CARR ARMD D0032 32 8 40

HMMWV TOW CARR, W/SA D1125 68 0 68

LW HOWITZER E0671 60 12 72

AAV-C7 (RAM/RS) E0796 18 1 19

AAV-P7 (RAM/RS) E0846 192 13 205

AAV-R7 (RAM/RS) E0856 8 1 9

LAV-AT E0942 8 8

LAV-C2 E0946 2 1 3

LAV-25 E0947 28 9 37

LAV-LOG E0948 6 3 9

LAV-MORTAR E0949 4 2 6

LAV RECOVERY E0950 4 1 5

TANK RECOVERY (HERCULES) E1378 14 2 16

TANK M1A1 E1888 116 8 124

Mobile Communications

ANTENNA MAST (TEAMS) A0061 58 2 60

RADIO SET, AN/MRC-148 A0067 124 10 134

RADIO SET, 50-WATT DVA A0097 1176 181 1357

RADIO SET, AN/VRC103(V) A0126 128 15 143

RADIO SET, SVA A0135 352 151 503

RADIO SET, AN/MRC-142C A0153 42 3 45

RADIO SET, AN/MRC-145 A1957 160 29 189

RADIO SET, AN/PRC-150C A2042 294 294

RADIO SET, AN/TRC-170(V) A2179 24 24

I-1

* This column reflects total both MPSRONs 2 and 3. Refer to the current version of NAVMC 2907 or MCPIC for most 

recent selected equipment and supplies.
MPF & MCPP-N MAJOR END ITEMS

Nomenclature TAMCN MPF* MCPP-N Total

Material Handling Equipment

CRANE 25 TON, ATC B0038 16 3 19

KALMAR B0392 28 3 31

CRANE 7 1/2 TON B0446 28 3 31

FORK LIFT 10K (EBFL) B2561 92 31 123

FORK LIFT 5K (LRTF) B2566 48 24 72

Mobile Electrical Power

GENERATOR SET, 3 KW, 60 HZ B0730 292 26 318

GENERATOR SET, 10 KW, 60 HZ B0891 84 50 134

GENERATOR SET, 10 KW, 400 HZ B0921 12 0 12

GENERATOR SET, 30 KW B0953 160 43 203

GENERATOR SET, LTWT B0980 24 10 34

GENERATOR SET, 60 KW, 400 HZ B1016 12 0 12

GENERATOR SET, 60 KW, 60 HZ B1021 96 31 127

GENERATOR SET, 100KW, 60 HZ B1045 40 17 57

Earth Moving Equipment

MULTI-TERRAIN LOADER B0040 20 9 29

MEDIUM CRAWLER TRACTOR B0060 36 6 42

GRADER, MOTORIZED B0078 14 5 19

ASSAULT BREACHER VEHICLE B0160 10 2 12

M9 ARMORED COMBAT 

EARTHMOVER (ACE)

B0589 12 2 14

FIRE SUPPRESSION SYS, MOBILE B0626 4 12 16

SCRAPER B1922 10 2 12

BULLDOZER MC1150 B2460 24 2 26

LOADER SCOOP B2464 10 10

BACKHOE LOADER B2483 20 7 27

MTVR, DUMP TRUCK (ARMORED) D0007 90 15 105

TRK FIREFIGHTING, AIRCRAFT D1064 16 1 17

MTVR DUMP TRUCK D1073 6 6

Bulk Fuel And Water Storage/Movement Assets

GROUND EXPEDIENT FUEL SYSTEM MEDIUMB0036 20 8 28

SMALL GROUND EXPEDITIONARY 

REFUELING SYSTEM (S-GERS)

B0037 20 11 31

I-2
MPF & MCPP-N MAJOR END ITEMS

Nomenclature TAMCN MPF* MCPP-N Total

SHOWER UNIT, EXP, FIELD B0055 24 12 36

LT WT WATER PUR SYSTEM B0071 38 15 53

PETROL QLTY ANAL SYS, EN B0087 4 4

EXP WATER DIST SYSTEM (EWDS) B0137 8 2 10

FUEL DRUM, COLLAPSIBLE, 500 GAL B0570 1296 126 1422

WATER DRUM, COLLAPSIBLE, 500 

GAL

B0571 84 12 96

TANK, FABRIC, COLLAPSIBLE, 50K B0572 316 66 382

FUEL TANK, COLLAPSIBLE, 3000 GAL B0573 36 18 54

TANK, FABRIC, COLLAPSIBLE, 20K B0574 180 50 230

TACTICAL AIRFIELD FUEL 

DISPENSING SYSTEM (TAFDS) 

B0675 10 5 15

WATER POINT SUPPLY SYSTEM, 

FWD AREA

B0676 14 1 15

AMPHIB ASSLT FUEL SYS (AAFS) B0685 8 2 10

REFUELING SYSTEM, EXP, HELO 

(HERS)

B1135 12 6 18

HOSE REEL SYSTEM (HRS) B1139 8 2 10

STORAGE TANK MODULE, FUEL 

(SIXCON)

B2085 192 70 262

STORAGE TANK MODULE, WATER 

(SIXCON)

B2086 330 58 388

TANK, FABRIC, COLLAPSIBLE, 

WATER, 3000 GAL

B2130 88 55 143

TANK, WATER, 50K GAL B2631 8 2 10

TANK ASSEMBLY, WATER, FABRIC, 

COLLAPSIBLE, 20K GAL

B2632 36 2 38

I-3
* This column reflects total both MPSRONs 2 and 3. Refer to the current version of NAVMAC 2907 or MCPIC for 

most recent selected equipment and supplies.

MPF & MCPP-N MAJOR END ITEMS

Nomenclature TAMCN MPF* MCPP-N Total

Motor Transport Assets

TRUCK, ARMORED, CARGO, 7T D0003 571 136 707

TRUCK, ARMORED, XLWB, 7T D0005 112 57 169

TRUCK, ARMORED, DUMP, 7T D0007 90 15 105

TRUCK, TRACTOR, 7T D0009 4 4

CARRIER, TROOP, ARMORED, MTVR 

(ARMADILLO)

D0011 20 30 50

TRUCK, ARMORED, TRACTOR, 7T D0013 60 22 82

TRUCK, ARMORED, WRECKER, 7T D0015 66 13 79

TRUCK, UTILITY: ECV 2-DR D0022 26 26

TRUCK, UTILITY: ECV, ARMT 

CARRIER

D0030 180 95 275

TRUCK, UTILITY: ECV, ARMORED 

2-DR

D0033 224 88 312

TRUCK, UTILITY: ECV, ARMORED 

4-DR

D0034 804 66 870

LVSR, ARMORED CARGO D0052 195 38 233

LVSR, ARMORED, WRECKER D0054 18 7 25

TRLR SEMI 5000GL REFUEL, 

MK970 (ARMD PKG)

D0215 60 26 86

TRK, CARGO 22.5 TON, 10X10, LVSR 

- MKR18

D0886 6 6

TRUCK, AMBUL, 4-LTR, ARMORED D1001 58 13 71

TRUCK, AMBUL, 2-LTR, SOFT TOP D1002 50 6 56

TRUCK, XLWB, CARGO, 7 T D1062 6 6

TRK, FIRE FIGHTING, AIRCRAFT 

AND STRUCTURE

D1064 16 1 17

TRUCK, UTILITY, HMMWV D1158 416 212 628

I-4
TABLE II

MPS INTEROPERABILITY*

 

SHIP-TO-SHIP INTEROPERABILITY

PLATFORM MLP 1, 2 T-AKE 1-2 T-AKR 

302,304

T-AKR 311, 

312

T-AK 

3008-

3012

T-AK 

3017

MLP 1, 2 R-cdeg T/R-ab T/R-ab R-bg T/R-ab

T-AKE 1-2 T-cdeg T/R - cde T/R -c T/R -c T-c T/R -c

T-AKR 302,304 LMSR 

(BH)

T/R - ab R-deg T/R-bg T/R-bg T/R-bg T/R-bg

T-AKR 311,312 LMSR 

(WATSON)

T/R - ab R-c

T-AK 3008-3012 (BOBO 

Class)

T-abfg R-deg T/R-bg T/R-bg T/R-bg T/R-bg

R-c

T-AK 3017 

(STOCKHAM)

T/R-ab R-deg T/R-bg T/R-bg T/R-bg T/R-bg

fg R-c

Color Code

 Fully interoperable

 Limited

 Not interoperable

 Pending experimentation 

Abbreviations

MLP – Mobile Landing Platform

LMSR – Large Medium Speed Roll On – Roll Off ship

BH – Bob Hope class ship

Notes

T. Transfers

R. Receives

a. Skin-to-Skin Roll-on / 

Roll-off (ramp ops)

b. Skin-to-Skin Lift-on / 

Lift-off (crane ops)

c. VERTREP

d. CONREP (RAS)

e. CONREP (FAS)

f. Surface Connector

g. Pending experimentation/validation

*All interoperability data updated as of 6 March 2015

II-1

ESD 1, 2

ESD 1, 2 – Expeditionary Transfer Dock

ESD 1, 2
SURFACE CONNECTOR INTEROPERABILITY

PLATFORM RO/RO LO/LO FLO/FLO LCAC/SSC LCU 1600 LCU 2000 LCM 8 LARC-V INLS (f) RRDF MPF UB AAV

MLP 1, 2 Yes (a) Yes yes (b) (b) (b) (b) (b) (b) (b) Yes (g,j)

T-AKE 1-2 No Yes No No Yes (a,c,k) Yes (a,c,k) Yes (a,c,k) No Yes (a,c,k) No (d) No

T-AKR 302,304, LMSR (BOB HOPE)T-AKR 311, 312, LMSR (WATSON)

Yes Yes No No Yes (c,k) (Yes c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes Yes Yes (g,j)

T-AK 3008-3012 (BOBO) Yes Yes No No Yes (c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes Yes Yes (g,j)

T-AK 3017 (STOCKHAM Yes Yes No No Yes (c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes (c,k) Yes Yes Yes (g,j)

Color Code Fully interoperable Limited Not interoperable Pending experimentationAbbreviationsRO/RO- Roll on- Roll offLO/LO- Lift on- Lift offFlo/Flo- Float on – Float offLCU- Landing Craft, UtilityLCM 8- Landing Craft, MechanizedLARC- Lighter, Amphibious Resupply, Cargo, 5 tonINLS- Improved Navy Lighterage SystemRRDF- Roll-On/Roll-Off Discharge FacilityCWF – Causeway FerryUB – Utility Boat

Notesa. Limited by crane capabilityb. Pending – FY14/15c. LO/LO Onlyd. Pending – MSC engineering studyf. CWF normally in a 2+1 configurationg. Launch only / No Recoveryj. MPF ships only - RRF and other MSC ships cannot launch AAVs.k. Shipboard crane limited to sea-state 3

II-2

ESD 1, 2
AVIATION INTEROPERABILITY

SHIP Aviation 

Capability

SpotFactor1

 / 

Spot

MH-60 AH-1W AH-1Z U

MLP 1 Sized to fit 

aircraft

4.47 Yes No No N

Certified Operating Spot1 Yes No No N

Hangar No N/A N/A N/A N

T-AKE 1-2 Sized to fit 

aircraft

6.99 Yes Yes Yes Ye

Certified Operating Spot1 Yes (b,d) Yes (b,d) Yes (b,d) Ye

Hangar 2.60 Yes Yes (i) Yes (i) Ye

T-AKR 302, 304 

T-AKR 311, 312

(LMSR)

Sized to fit 

aircraft

6.53 Yes Yes Yes Ye

Certified Operating Spot1 Yes (g,h) Yes (g) Yes (g) Ye

Hangar No N/A N/A N/A N

T-AK 3008-3012

(BOBO CLASS)

Sized to fit 

aircraft

6.53 Yes Yes Yes Ye

Certified Operating Spot1 Yes (g,h) Yes (g) Yes (g) Ye

Hangar No N/A N/A N/A N

T-AK 3017

(STOCKHAM)

Sized to fit 

aircraft

6.53 Yes Yes Yes Ye

Certified Operating Spot1 Yes (f,h) Yes (g) Yes (g) Ye

Hangar Yes (j) Yes (j) Yes (j) Ye

Color Code

 Fully interoperable

 Limited

 Not interoperable

 Pending experimentation

Legend

a = Level I, Class 1: Day and night Ops with IMC; Landing area support (Service and Maintenance facilities)

b = Level I, Class 2: Day and night Ops with IMC; Landing area with Service facilities

c = Level I, Class 3: Day and night Ops with IMC; Landing area without support facilities

d = Level I, Class 4, Ty 2 (T-Line), SP2 (T-Ball): Day and night Ops with IMC; VERTREP/External Lift Area Hover in 

excess of 5 feet.

e = Level I, Class 5, Ty 2: Day and night Ops with IMC; VERTREP/External Lift Area Hover in excess of 15 feet.

II-3

ESD 1
Z UH-1N UH-1Y CH-53E CH-53K2 MV-22B RQ-21 Remarks

No No No No No Yes Spot Factor: MH-60 

Spread

No No No No No TBD Coast Guard Only 

Spot

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Spot Factor: MV-22B 

Spread

d) Yes (b,d) Yes (b,d) Yes (b,d) TBD Yes TBD H-53 VERTREP T-Ball 

Line

Yes (i) Yes (i) No No No TBD Designed for (2) H-46s; 

(2) doors

Yes Yes Yes Yes (k,l) No Yes Spot Factor: CH-53E 

Spread; V-22 (Deck 

Strength/Heating)

Yes (g,h) Yes (g,h) Yes (g,h) TBD Yes (h) TBD No Support Facility / 

V-22: Vertrep only

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Spot Factor: CH-53E 

Spread V-22 (Deck 

Strength/Heating)

Yes (g,h) Yes (g,h) Yes (g,h) TBD Yes (h) TBD No Support Facility / 

V-22: Vertrep only

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Yes Yes Yes Yes (m) Yes Yes Spot Factor: CH-53E 

Spread V-22 (Deck 

Strength/Heating)

Yes (g,h) Yes (g,h) Yes (f,h) TBD No TBD No Support Facility

Yes (j) Yes (j) N/A No No TBD

f = Level II, Class 2: Day and night Ops with VMC; Landing area with Service facilities

g = Level II, Class 3: Day and Night Ops with VMC; Landing area without support facilities.

h = Level II, Class 4: Day and Night Ops with VMC; VERTREP/External Lift Area Hover in excess of 5 feet.

i = Not Certified but will fit

j = Service facility with no maintenance

k = T-AKR 300 Class Parking up to Storm Sea (SS 7) limited not to exceed 49K lbs Longitudale and 54K lbs Athwart 

parking.

l = T-AKR 310 Class Parking no more than (SS 5) limited not to exceed 58.4K lbs Longitudale and 72.7K lbs Athwart 

parking.

m = T-AK 3017 Class Parking up to Storm Sea (SS 7) limited not to exceed 57.5K Athwart parking.

1. MH-60 Equivilant (1:00 = MH60S; Spot Factor per NAEC-ENG-7604 Rev V “Maximum Density Aircraft Spotting”

2. CH-53K CDR BASELINE DESIGN HELO DECK STRUCTURAL EVALUATION FOR OPS (NSWC-Carderock Ltr 

 9110 over Ser 65/13-40 dtd 27 Feb 13)

II-4
TABLE III

MARINE CORPS PREPOSITIONING PROGRAM 

REFERENCE PUBLICATIONS

MPF References

MCO 3000.17 Marine Corps Prepositioning Programs 

NAVMC 2907 Prepositioning Objective (PO) for MPF and MCPP-N

MCBUL 3501 Force List for MPF MEB

MCWP 3-32 Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) Operations

MCWP 3-31.7 Seabasing

MCWP 3-21.2 Aviation Logistics

TM 4790-14/2_ Logistics Support for Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) Program Maintenance and Material Management

MCPIC Marine Corps Prepositioning Information Center 

mcpic.bic.usmc.mil

LPO-2 SharePoint https://eis.usmc.mil/site/hqmclp/lpo

MCPP-N References

TM 4790-14/1_ Technical Manual with logistics support for MCPP-N procedures. 

Memorandum of 

Understanding (MOU) 

Government of US agreement with Government of Norway for the 

Prestockage and Reinforcement of Norway 

Prepositioning 

Arrangement (PA)

Detailed arrangement between the US Marine Corps and the Armed Forces 

of Norway for the prepositioning of USMC equipment for MCPP-N.

Terms of Reference 

(TOR)

The TOR sets forth the organizational structure, functions and responsibilities of specified agencies/organizations in support of MCPP-N. 

III-1
AAA Arrival and Assembly Area

ABLTS Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System

AAFS Amphibious Assault Fuel System

AAOE Arrival and Assembly Operations Element 

AAOG Arrival and Assembly Operations Group

 AAV Assault Amphibian Vehicle

ACB Amphibious Construction Battalion

ACE Aviation Combat Element 

ACU Assault Craft Unit

AGSE Aviation Ground Support Equipment 

AM-2 Airfield Matting

AMC Air Mobility Command

AMSEA American Overseas Marine Corporation

AO Area of Operation

AOR Area of Responsibility 

ATF Amphibious Task Force 

BBL Barrel (42 US gallons) 

BIC Blount Island Command 

BMU Beachmaster Unit

CE Command Element

CLB Combat Logistics Battalion 

CLR Combat Logistics Regiment

CMC Commandant of the Marine Corps

CMPF Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Force

CCDR Combatant Commander 

COMPSRON Commander, MPS Squadron 

CONUS Continental United States

CRAF Civil Reserve Air Fleet

DoD Department of Defense

DOS Days of Supply or Days of Sustainment

EAF Expeditionary Airfield

EMF Expeditionary Medical Facility

E-Ship Enhancement Ship

FF Flight Ferry

FIE Fly-In Echelon

F/W Fixed-Wing Aircraft

GCE Ground Combat Element

HAZMAT Hazardous Material

HMMWV High Mobility, Multi-Purpose Wheeled 

 Vehicle

HNS Host Nation Support

HSV High Speed Vessel 

ISO International Organization for 

Standardization

JTF Joint Task Force

LARC-V Lighter, Amphibious Resupply Cargo

LAV Light Armored Vehicle

LCE Logistics Combat Element

LCM-8 Landing Craft, Mechanized

LMSR Large, Medium Speed RO/RO 

LO/LO Lift-on/Lift-off

LSO Landward Security Officer

LVSR LVS—Replacement

MAGTF Marine Air-Ground Task Force

MAG Marine Air Group

MALS Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 

MARCORLOGCOM Marine Corps Logistics 

 Command 

MAW Marine Aircraft Wing

MCMC Marine Corps Maintenance Contractor

MCPP-N Marine Corps Prepositioning Program—

Norway

MEB Marine Expeditionary Brigade

MEF Marine Expeditionary Force

MEU Marine Expeditionary Unit

MHE Material Handling Equipment

MLG Marine Logistics Group

MLP Mobile Landing Platform 

MMC MPF Maintenance Cycle

MOD Ministry of Defense

MPE/S Maritime Prepositioned Equipment and 

Supplies 

MPF Maritime Prepositioning Force 

MPS Maritime Prepositioning Ship

MPSRON Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron

MRE Meals, Ready-to-Eat

MSC Military Sealift Command

MTMC Military Traffic Management Command 

MTVR Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 

MWSS Marine Wing Support Squadron

NALMEB Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary 

Brigade

NBG Naval Beach Group

NCE Naval Construction Element 

NMCB Naval Mobile Construction Battalion

TABLE IV

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

IV-1

AAA Arrival and Assembly Area

ABLTS Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System

AAFS Amphibious Assault Fuel System

AAOE Arrival and Assembly Operations Element 

AAOG Arrival and Assembly Operations Group

 AAV Assault Amphibian Vehicle

ACB Amphibious Construction Battalion

ACE Aviation Combat Element 

ACU Assault Craft Unit

AGSE Aviation Ground Support Equipment 

AM-2 Airfield Matting

AMC Air Mobility Command

AMSEA American Overseas Marine Corporation

AO Area of Operation

AOR Area of Responsibility 

ATF Amphibious Task Force 

BBL Barrel (42 US gallons) 

BIC Blount Island Command 

BMU Beachmaster Unit

CE Command Element

CLB Combat Logistics Battalion 

CLR Combat Logistics Regiment

CMC Commandant of the Marine Corps

CMPF Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Force

CCDR Combatant Commander 

COMPSRON Commander, MPS Squadron 

CONUS Continental United States

CRAF Civil Reserve Air Fleet

DoD Department of Defense

DOS Days of Supply or Days of Sustainment

EAF Expeditionary Airfield

EMF Expeditionary Medical Facility

E-Ship Enhancement Ship

FF Flight Ferry

FIE Fly-In Echelon

F/W Fixed-Wing Aircraft

GCE Ground Combat Element

HAZMAT Hazardous Material

HMMWV High Mobility, Multi-Purpose Wheeled 

 Vehicle

HNS Host Nation Support

HSV High Speed Vessel 

ISO International Organization for 

Standardization

JTF Joint Task Force

LARC-V Lighter, Amphibious Resupply Cargo

LAV Light Armored Vehicle

LCE Logistics Combat Element

LCM-8 Landing Craft, Mechanized

LMSR Large, Medium Speed RO/RO 

LO/LO Lift-on/Lift-off

LSO Landward Security Officer

LVSR LVS—Replacement

MAGTF Marine Air-Ground Task Force

MAG Marine Air Group

MALS Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 

MARCORLOGCOM Marine Corps Logistics 

 Command 

MAW Marine Aircraft Wing

MCMC Marine Corps Maintenance Contractor

MCPP-N Marine Corps Prepositioning Program—

Norway

MEB Marine Expeditionary Brigade

MEF Marine Expeditionary Force

MEU Marine Expeditionary Unit

MHE Material Handling Equipment

MLG Marine Logistics Group

MLP Mobile Landing Platform 

MMC MPF Maintenance Cycle

MOD Ministry of Defense

MPE/S Maritime Prepositioned Equipment and 

Supplies 

MPF Maritime Prepositioning Force 

MPS Maritime Prepositioning Ship

MPSRON Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron

MRE Meals, Ready-to-Eat

MSC Military Sealift Command

MTMC Military Traffic Management Command 

MTVR Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 

MWSS Marine Wing Support Squadron

NALMEB Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary 

Brigade

NBG Naval Beach Group

NCE Naval Construction Element 

NMCB Naval Mobile Construction Battalion

TABLE IV

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

IV-1

F/W Fixed-Wing Aircraft

GCE Ground Combat Element

HAZMAT Hazardous Material

HMMWV High Mobility, Multi-Purpose Wheeled 

 Vehicle

HNS Host Nation Support

HSV High Speed Vessel 

MTV

MWS

NAL

NBG 

NCE 

NMC

IV-1

AAA Arrival and Assembly Area

ABLTS Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System

AAFS Amphibious Assault Fuel System

AAOE Arrival and Assembly Operations Element 

AAOG Arrival and Assembly Operations Group

 AAV Assault Amphibian Vehicle

ACB Amphibious Construction Battalion

ACE Aviation Combat Element 

ACU Assault Craft Unit

AGSE Aviation Ground Support Equipment 

AM-2 Airfield Matting

AMC Air Mobility Command

AMSEA American Overseas Marine Corporation

AO Area of Operation

AOR Area of Responsibility 

ATF Amphibious Task Force 

BBL Barrel (42 US gallons) 

BIC Blount Island Command 

BMU Beachmaster Unit

CE Command Element

CLB Combat Logistics Battalion 

CLR Combat Logistics Regiment

CMC Commandant of the Marine Corps

CMPF Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Force

CCDR Combatant Commander 

COMPSRON Commander, MPS Squadron 

CONUS Continental United States

CRAF Civil Reserve Air Fleet

DoD Department of Defense

DOS Days of Supply or Days of Sustainment

EAF Expeditionary Airfield

EMF Expeditionary Medical Facility

E-Ship Enhancement Ship

FF Flight Ferry

FIE Fly-In Echelon

F/W Fixed-Wing Aircraft

GCE Ground Combat Element

HAZMAT Hazardous Material

HMMWV High Mobility, Multi-Purpose Wheeled 

 Vehicle

HNS Host Nation Support

HSV High Speed Vessel 

ISO International Organization for 

Standardization

JTF Joint Task Force

LARC-V Lighter, Amphibious Resupply Cargo

LAV Light Armored Vehicle

LCE Logistics Combat Element

LCM-8 Landing Craft, Mechanized

LMSR Large, Medium Speed RO/RO 

LO/LO Lift-on/Lift-off

LSO Landward Security Officer

LVSR LVS—Replacement

MAGTF Marine Air-Ground Task Force

MAG Marine Air Group

MALS Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 

MARCORLOGCOM Marine Corps Logistics 

 Command 

MAW Marine Aircraft Wing

MCMC Marine Corps Maintenance Contractor

MCPP-N Marine Corps Prepositioning Program—

Norway

MEB Marine Expeditionary Brigade

MEF Marine Expeditionary Force

MEU Marine Expeditionary Unit

MHE Material Handling Equipment

MLG Marine Logistics Group

MLP Mobile Landing Platform 

MMC MPF Maintenance Cycle

MOD Ministry of Defense

MPE/S Maritime Prepositioned Equipment and 

Supplies 

MPF Maritime Prepositioning Force 

MPS Maritime Prepositioning Ship

MPSRON Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron

MRE Meals, Ready-to-Eat

MSC Military Sealift Command

MTMC Military Traffic Management Command 

MTVR Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 

MWSS Marine Wing Support Squadron

NALMEB Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary 

Brigade

NBG Naval Beach Group

NCE Naval Construction Element 

NMCB Naval Mobile Construction Battalion

TABLE IV

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

IV-1

AAA Arrival and Assembly Area

ABLTS Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System

AAFS Amphibious Assault Fuel System

AAOE Arrival and Assembly Operations Element 

AAOG Arrival and Assembly Operations Group

 AAV Assault Amphibian Vehicle

ACB Amphibious Construction Battalion

ACE Aviation Combat Element 

ACU Assault Craft Unit

AGSE Aviation Ground Support Equipment 

AM-2 Airfield Matting

AMC Air Mobility Command

AMSEA American Overseas Marine Corporation

AO Area of Operation

AOR Area of Responsibility 

ATF Amphibious Task Force 

BBL Barrel (42 US gallons) 

BIC Blount Island Command 

BMU Beachmaster Unit

CE Command Element

CLB Combat Logistics Battalion 

CLR Combat Logistics Regiment

CMC Commandant of the Marine Corps

CMPF Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Force

CCDR Combatant Commander 

COMPSRON Commander, MPS Squadron 

CONUS Continental United States

CRAF Civil Reserve Air Fleet

DoD Department of Defense

DOS Days of Supply or Days of Sustainment

EAF Expeditionary Airfield

EMF Expeditionary Medical Facility

E-Ship Enhancement Ship

FF Flight Ferry

FIE Fly-In Echelon

F/W Fixed-Wing Aircraft

GCE Ground Combat Element

HAZMAT Hazardous Material

HMMWV High Mobility, Multi-Purpose Wheeled 

 Vehicle

HNS Host Nation Support

HSV High Speed Vessel 

ISO International Organization for 

Standardization

JTF Joint Task Force

LARC-V Lighter, Amphibious Resupply Cargo

LAV Light Armored Vehicle

LCE Logistics Combat Element

LCM-8 Landing Craft, Mechanized

LMSR Large, Medium Speed RO/RO 

LO/LO Lift-on/Lift-off

LSO Landward Security Officer

LVSR LVS—Replacement

MAGTF Marine Air-Ground Task Force

MAG Marine Air Group

MALS Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 

MARCORLOGCOM Marine Corps Logistics 

 Command 

MAW Marine Aircraft Wing

MCMC Marine Corps Maintenance Contractor

MCPP-N Marine Corps Prepositioning Program—

Norway

MEB Marine Expeditionary Brigade

MEF Marine Expeditionary Force

MEU Marine Expeditionary Unit

MHE Material Handling Equipment

MLG Marine Logistics Group

MLP Mobile Landing Platform 

MMC MPF Maintenance Cycle

MOD Ministry of Defense

MPE/S Maritime Prepositioned Equipment and 

Supplies 

MPF Maritime Prepositioning Force 

MPS Maritime Prepositioning Ship

MPSRON Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron

MRE Meals, Ready-to-Eat

MSC Military Sealift Command

MTMC Military Traffic Management Command 

MTVR Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 

MWSS Marine Wing Support Squadron

NALMEB Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary 

Brigade

NBG Naval Beach Group

NCE Naval Construction Element 

NMCB Naval Mobile Construction Battalion

TABLE IV

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

IV-1

AAA Arrival and Assembly Area

ABLTS Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System

AAFS Amphibious Assault Fuel System

AAOE Arrival and Assembly Operations Element 

AAOG Arrival and Assembly Operations Group

 AAV Assault Amphibian Vehicle

ACB Amphibious Construction Battalion

ACE Aviation Combat Element 

ACU Assault Craft Unit

AGSE Aviation Ground Support Equipment 

AM-2 Airfield Matting

AMC Air Mobility Command

AMSEA American Overseas Marine Corporation

AO Area of Operation

AOR Area of Responsibility 

ATF Amphibious Task Force 

BBL Barrel (42 US gallons) 

BIC Blount Island Command 

BMU Beachmaster Unit

CE Command Element

CLB Combat Logistics Battalion 

CLR Combat Logistics Regiment

CMC Commandant of the Marine Corps

CMPF Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Force

CCDR Combatant Commander 

COMPSRON Commander, MPS Squadron 

CONUS Continental United States

CRAF Civil Reserve Air Fleet

DoD Department of Defense

DOS Days of Supply or Days of Sustainment

EAF Expeditionary Airfield

EMF Expeditionary Medical Facility

E-Ship Enhancement Ship

FF Flight Ferry

FIE Fly-In Echelon

F/W Fixed-Wing Aircraft

GCE Ground Combat Element

HAZMAT Hazardous Material

HMMWV High Mobility, Multi-Purpose Wheeled 

 Vehicle

HNS Host Nation Support

HSV High Speed Vessel 

ISO International Organization for 

Standardization

JTF Joint Task Force

LARC-V Lighter, Amphibious Resupply Cargo

LAV Light Armored Vehicle

LCE Logistics Combat Element

LCM-8 Landing Craft, Mechanized

LMSR Large, Medium Speed RO/RO 

LO/LO Lift-on/Lift-off

LSO Landward Security Officer

LVSR LVS—Replacement

MAGTF Marine Air-Ground Task Force

MAG Marine Air Group

MALS Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 

MARCORLOGCOM Marine Corps Logistics 

 Command 

MAW Marine Aircraft Wing

MCMC Marine Corps Maintenance Contractor

MCPP-N Marine Corps Prepositioning Program—

Norway

MEB Marine Expeditionary Brigade

MEF Marine Expeditionary Force

MEU Marine Expeditionary Unit

MHE Material Handling Equipment

MLG Marine Logistics Group

MLP Mobile Landing Platform 

MMC MPF Maintenance Cycle

MOD Ministry of Defense

MPE/S Maritime Prepositioned Equipment and 

Supplies 

MPF Maritime Prepositioning Force 

MPS Maritime Prepositioning Ship

MPSRON Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron

MRE Meals, Ready-to-Eat

MSC Military Sealift Command

MTMC Military Traffic Management Command 

MTVR Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement 

MWSS Marine Wing Support Squadron

NALMEB Norway Air-Landed Marine Expeditionary 

Brigade

NBG Naval Beach Group

NCE Naval Construction Element 

NMCB Naval Mobile Construction Battalion

TABLE IV

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

IV-1

ESD Expeditionary Transfer Dock
NSE Navy Support Element

NTPF Near-Term Prepositioning Force

OIF Operation Iraqi Freedom 

OPLAN Operation Plan

OPNAV Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

OPP Offload Preparation Party

PEI Principal End Item

PO Prepositioning Objective 

POWG Program Oversight Working Group 

PP&O Plans, Policies & Operations

PWRM Prepositioned War Reserve Material

RO/RO Roll-On/Roll-Off

ROS Reduced Operational Status

ROWPU Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit

RRDF Roll-On/Roll-Off Discharge Facility

R/W Rotary-Wing Aircraft 

SL-3 Stock List 3 (component listing) 

SLRP Survey, Liaison, and Reconnaissance Party

SPMAGTF Special Purpose MAGTF 

SSO Seaward Security Officer

TAA Tactical Assembly Area

TAAT Technical Assistance and Advisory Team

TAFDS Tactical Airfield Fuel Dispensing System

T-AK Vehicle Cargo Ship 

T-AKE Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship

T-AKR Large, Medium speed, Roll-on/roll-off

TAMCN Table of Authorized Materiel Control 

Number

T-AVB Aviation Logistics Support Ship

T/E Table of Equipment

TEU Twenty Foot Equivalent Units 

T/O Table of Organization

USMC United States Marine Corps 

USNS United States Naval Ship

USTRANSCOM United States Transportation 

 Command 

IV-2
IV-3
CURRENT MARITIME PREPOSITIONING SHIP NAMESAKES

USNS SGT 

WILLIAM R. 

BUTTON (T-AK 

3012)

CPL WILLIAM ROBERT 

BUTTON

For extraordinary heroism 

and conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity in actual 

conflict with the enemy 

near GRANDE RIVIERE 

Republic of Haiti, on the 

night of October 31stNovember 1st, 1919. 

HAITI

USNS 1ST LT 

JACK LUMMUS 

(T-AK 3011)

1STLT JACK LUMMUS

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty as 

Leader of a Rifle Platoon, 

attached to Company E, 

Second Battalion, Twentyseventh Marines, Fifth 

Marine Division, in action 

against enemy Japanese 

forces on Iwo Jima in the 

Volcano Islands, 8 March 

1945. IWO JIMA

USNS 1ST LT 

BALDOMERO 

LOPEZ 

(T-AK 3010)

1STLT BALDOMERO 

LOPEZ

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the risk 

of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a 

Rifle Platoon Commander 

of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First 

Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against 

enemy aggressors at the 

Inchon invasion, Korea, 15 

September 1950. KOREA

USNS PFC 

DEWAYNE T. 

WILLIAMS 

(T-AK 3009)

PFC DEWAYNE T. 

WILLIAMS

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above 

and beyond the call of 

duty while serving as a 

Rifleman with the First 

Platoon, Co H, Second 

Battalion, First Marines, 

First MarDiv in action 

against communist insurgent forces in the Quang 

Nam Province, Republic 

of VIETNAM

USNS GYSGT 

FRED W. 

STOCKHAM 

(T-AK 3017)

GYSGT FRED W. 

STOCKHAM

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity above and 

beyond the call of duty in 

action with the enemy in 

Bois-de-Belleau, France, 

on the night of June 13-14, 

1918. FRANCE

USNS SGT 

WILLIAM W. 

SEAY 

(T-AKR 302)

SERGEANT WILLIAM W. 

SEAY (USA) 

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity in action 

at the risk of his life as 

a driver with the 62d 

Transportation Company 

at Ap Nhi, Republic of 

Vietnam, 25 August 1968. 

Ambushed while on a 

resupply mission, his 

heroism and gallantry in 

action while repelling the 

enemy assault cost him 

his life. VIETNAM

USNS PILILAAU 

(T-AKR 304)

PFC HERBERT K. 

PILILAAU (USA)

For conspicuous gallantry 

and outstanding courage 

above and beyond the call 

of duty in action against 

the enemy on Heartbreak Ridge near Pia-ri, 

Korea while serving with 

Company C, 23rd Infantry 

Regiment, 2nd Infantry 

Division on 17 September 

1951. KOREA. the 2nd 

Infantry Division attacked 

and captured a ridge in 

east central Korea. Their 

next objective was a hill 

mass just to the north, 

near Pia-ri, which would 

come to be known as 

Heartbreak Ridge.

USNS 2ND LT 

JOHN P. BOBO 

(T-AK 3008)

2NDLT JOHN P. BOBO

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty as 

Weapons Platoon Commander, Company I, Third 

Battalion, Ninth Marines, 

Third Marine Division, 

in Quang Tri Province, 

Republic of Vietnam, 30 

March 1967. VIETNAM
USNS 1ST LT 

GEORGE K. 

SISLER 

(T-AKR 311)

1STLT GEORGE K. 

SISLER (USA)

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the risk 

of his life and above and 

beyond the call of duty. 

1st Lt. Sisler was the 

platoon leader/adviser to 

a Special United States/

Vietnam exploitation 

force.Republic of Vietnam. 7 February 1967.

VIETNAM

USNS SPEC 4 

LARRY G. DAHL 

(T-AKR 312)

SPEC FOUR LARRY G. 

DAHL (USA)

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity in action at 

the risk of his life above 

and beyond the call of 

duty while serving as a 

machine gunner on a gun 

truck near An Khe, Binh 

Dinh Province, Republic 

of Vietnam, 23 February, 

1971. VIETNAM

USNS LEWIS 

AND CLARK

(T-AKE 1)

Commissioned by Thomas Jefferson, Captain 

Meriwether Louis and 2d 

Lieutenant William Clark, 

the Corps of Discovery 

Expedition was the first 

American expedition to 

cross the western portion 

of the United States. 

Their perilous journey 

lasted from 1804 to 1806 

and explored and mapped 

the newly acquired 

Louisiana Purchase, found 

a practical route to the 

Pacific, and established 

a lasting American presence in the west.

USNS SACAGAWEA

(T-AKE 2)

Sacagawea was a Lemhi 

Shoshone woman who 

accompanied the Lewis 

and Clark Expedition. Acting as an interpreter and 

guide in their exploration 

of the Western United 

States, she traveled 

thousands of miles from 

North Dakota to the 

Pacific Ocean between 

1804 and 1806. In 2001 

Sacagawea was given 

the title of Honorary 

Sergeant in the U.S. Army 

by the President of the 

United States.

USNS 

MONTFORD 

POINT (MLP 1)

From 1942-1949, approximately 20,000 

African-American men 

enlisted in the Marine 

Corps and completed 

segregated boot camp 

at Montford Point Camp, 

Jacksonville, NC. Many 

of these Marines served 

with distinction during a 

number of World War II’s 

bloodiest struggles, making the ultimate sacrifice, 

while others continued 

their service into Korea 

and Vietnam.

USNS JOHN 

GLENN (MLP 2)

COL. JOHN H. GLENN, 

JR.

John Glenn was commissioned in the Marine 

Corps in 1943 and flew 

59 combat mission in 

WWII and 63 in Korea.. 

As a test pilot, he set the 

transcontinental record in 

1957. Selected for NASA’s 

Mercury Program, he was 

the first American to orbit 

the earth in 1962. In 1974 

he was elected to the 

U.S. Senate from Ohio, 

retiring from the Senate 

in 1999. Glenn returned 

to space in 1998 on the 

Space Shuttle Discovery 

mission, and is the oldest 

person to have flown in 

space.

(ESD 1)

(ESD 2)
USNS SGT 

MATEJ KOCAK 

(T-AK 3005)

SGT MATEJ KOCAK

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty 

while serving with the 

Sixty-sixth Company, Fifth 

Regiment, Second Division, in action in the VillerCottertes section, south 

of Soissons, France, 18 

July 1918. FRANCE

USNS PFC 

EUGENE A. 

OBREGON 

(T-AK 3006)

PFC EUGENE A. 

OBREGON

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty 

while serving with Company G, Third Bn, Fifth 

Marines, First MarDiv 

(Reinforced), in action 

against enemy aggressor 

forces at Seoul, Korea, 26 

September 1950. KOREA

MV PVT. 

FRANKLIN 

J. PHILLIPS 

(T-AK 3004) 

PVT Franklin J. Phillips, 

USMC 

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the risk 

of his life above and beyond the call of duty Private Phillips served in the 

presence of the enemy at 

the Battle of Peking during 

the Boxer Rebellion in 

China from 20 June to 16 

July 1900. CHINA

HISTORICAL MARITIME

PREPOSITIONING SHIP NAMESAKES

MV 1ST LT. ALEX 

BONNYMAN 

(T-AK 3003)

1st Lt Alexander Bonnyman Jr. USMC 

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty as 

Executive Officer of the 

2d Battalion Shore Party, 

8th Marines, 2d Marine 

Division, during the 

assault against enemy 

Japanese-held Tarawa 

in the Gilbert Islands, 

20–22 November 1943. 

TARAWA

MV PFC. 

WILLIAM B. 

BAUGH 

(T-AK 3001)

PFC William B. Baugh, 

USMC 

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above 

and beyond the call of 

duty while serving as a 

member of an Anti-Tank 

Assault Squad attached 

to Company G, Third 

Battalion, First Marines, 

First Marine Division 

(Reinforced), during a 

nighttime enemy attack 

against a motorized 

column en route from 

Koto-Ri to Hagaru-ri, 

Korea, on November 29, 

1950. KOREA

MV PFC JAMES 

ANDERSON, 

JR. (T-AK-3002)

PFC James Anderson Jr., 

USMC 

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty as 

a rifleman, Second Platoon, Company F, Second 

Battalion, Third Marines, 

Third Marine Division, in 

Vietnam on 28 February 

1967. VIETNAM

MV CPL LOUIS J. 

HAUGE, JR. 

(T-AK 3000)

CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. 

USMC 

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty 

as Leader of a MachineGun Squad serving with 

Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, First 

Marine Division, in action 

against a strongly fortified Japanese hill position 

on Okinawa on 14 May 

1945. OKINAWA 
USNS 1ST LT 

HARRY L. 

MARTIN 

(T-AK 3015)

1STLT HARRY L. MARTIN

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty as 

Platoon Leader attached 

to Company C, Fifth 

Pioneer Battalion, Fifth 

Marine Division, in action 

against enemy Japanese 

forces on Iwo Jima, 

Volcano Islands, 26 March 

1945. IWO JIMA

USNS MAJ 

STEPHEN W. 

PLESS 

(T-AK 3007)

MAJ STEPHEN W. PLESS

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above 

and beyond the call of 

duty while serving as 

a helicopter gunship 

pilot attached to Marine 

Observation Squadron Six 

in action against enemy 

forces near Quang Ngai, 

Republic of Vietnam, on 

19 August 1967. 

USNS LCPL ROY 

M. WHEAT 

(T-AK 3016)

LCPL ROY M. WHEAT

For conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity at the 

risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty, 

Corporal Wheat was 

assigned the mission 

of providing security 

for a Navy construction 

battalion crane and crew 

operating along Liberty 

Road in the vicinity of the 

Dien Ban District, Quang 

Nam Province.VIETNAM