Joint Logistics Over The Shore operations in rough seas

Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) operations involve the unloading of ships without the benefit of fixed port facilities. Container ships, roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro) ships, break bulk ships, heavy lift ships, and tankers are the most common merchant vessels utilized in JLOTS operations to transport military cargo. A major problem is that the current JLOTS system is inoperative in sea state 3 and greater conditions. When seas build above sea state 3 the motion and relative motion of lighters and ships create extremely dangerous conditions which preclude the movement of cargo. New technology is currently being developed by the Navy, Army and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to improve JLOTS operations. Several new JLOTS subsystems were recently tested as part of an Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) sponsored joint services test and evaluation program called JLOTS III (June 1993). JLOTS III showed that lighters, cargo transfer systems, and personnel do not have the capability or training to perform in sea state 3, as currently required by military doctrine. Subsequent to the JLOTS III testing, a number of R&D innovations have been examined and a Heavy Weather (Sea State 3) JLOTS Options Study has been completed. This options study has defined and characterized all the weak links related to heavy weather operations and has identified and/or developed concepts to improve the overall JLOTS operational efficiency. This paper discusses current JLOTS technology development initiatives from a joint services perspective with regard to the following question: Can emerging technology, in combination with improved training and command and control, provide a heavy weather JLOTS capability which is affordable?