The task organization formed for the purpose of conducting an amphibious operation. Collectively they are called the Amphibious Task Force. The ATF always includes Navy forces and a landing force, with their organic aviation, and may include Military Sealift Command provided ships and Air Force assets when appropriate. A task organization of troop units, aviation and ground, assigned to an amphibious assault. Phases of an Amphibious Operation .
Amphibious operations follow a well-defined pattern, sequence of events, or activities.
Not every operation will contain all of these phases, nor will every operation undergo these phases in this exact order. Begins with the receipt of the initiating directive and continues through the operation. The majority of planning is done prior to embarkation. During this phase, Navy and Marine chains of command conduct concurrent and parallel planning. This is the only phase where CATF and CLF are co-equal .