Preserving Logistical Support for Deployed Battle Groups in Hostile Environments

The U.S. Navy's at-sea replenishment system is a mobile supply line designed to support the deployed carrier task force (CTF)/cruiser/destroyer (CRUDES) surface action group (SAG) and forward deployed units while at sea. In the Pacific, the main component of the mobile supply line, the combat logistics force (CLF) ship, has become a possible target with the development of the anti-ship ballistic missile. With the ability to target and disable a CLF, an enemy can now disable a deployed CTF/CRUDES fleet by eliminating its required resources. With the goal of preserving the CLF's capabilities to perform its mission while avoiding ASBM threat, the authors consider the possibility of utilizing a “mini-CLF” to shuttle fuel between CLFs operating in a safe environment and warships operating in a threat zone. The authors perform two analyses: they (1) analyze the feasibility of using the Littoral combat ship/joint high-speed vessel, reconfigured as a shuttle to transport resources, and (2) analyze requirements for development of a new class of ships to support the CTF/CRUDES SAG while deployed in the Pacific.