When the MAGTF is aboard amphibious ships, the MAGTF commander serves concurrently as the commander, landing force (CLF). While embarked, the MAGTF commander and staff direct the actions of the MAGTF from C2 facili- ties aboard the amphibious ships. Under the oper- ational maneuver from the sea concept, MAGTF command and control may remain afloat through- out the amphibious operation. Many of the ship- board C2 facilities also support the commander, amphibious task force (CATF), who is normally located with his staff in the flag plot area aboard the flagship.
Flag configured ships and LPD [Amphibious Transport Dock]-17 class ships will have a troop operations area used for planning and control
similar to that of the landing force operations center (LFOC). Non-flag configured ships on the LPD-4 class and LSD [Landing Ship Dock] class have only a tactical-logistical group (TACLOG) for command and control.
Landing Force Operations Center
The LFOC is the shipboard space allocated to the CLF and staff to plan and execute landing force operations. The LFOC is normally located on the ESG. The LFOC also staffs the MAGTF COC when it is phased ashore in an amphibious opera- tion. The functions of the LFOC mirror those of the COC. This center controls and monitors the activities of the landing force until the CLF estab- lishes command ashore.
Joint Intelligence Center
The joint intelligence center (JIC) is a single, naval intelligence facility formed during a preas- sault phase of amphibious operations. It supports the requirements of the CATF and the CLF. The JIC is usually located aboard the amphibious flagship and is staffed by Navy and Marine intel- ligence personnel. Intelligence resources avail- able to the JIC include national, joint, combined, and organic naval force assets. Some of these assets may already be forward deployed prior to assault operations. Landing force intelligence personnel and their organic information systems, such as the intelligence analysis system and the technical control and analysis center worksta- tions, are integrated in the JIC operations while afloat. Additionally, the ship’s signals exploita- tion spaces are within the JIC and contain ESG special security communications terminals and processing facilities.
Supporting Arms Coordination Center
Commander, amphibious task force exercises overall coordination of supporting fires within the amphibious objective area through the support- ing arms coordination center (SACC). This cen- ter, located aboard the amphibious flagship,
consists of a supporting arms coordinator, NGF, air support, and target information sections. The ESG operations, intelligence and communica- tions, and landing force fire support personnel perform the functions of the SACC. These func- tions are similar to those performed by the FFCC and FSCC that may be subsequently established ashore. A landing force liaison is established in the SACC if the responsibility for coordination of supporting arms is passed ashore.
The SACC provides the commanders of the amphibious task force and the landing force with information concerning the requirements and developments that affect coordination of fire delivery by NGF units, support aircraft, and artil- lery units. Fire support requests received from the landing force are coordinated from this center to ensure that all fires are integrated to achieve the maximum effect against their targets. Current fire support information is continually updated and displayed while direction for the execution of restrictive fire plans and instructions concerning troop safety are promulgated. The NGF plans are prepared and their execution is supervised by the SACC staff. This center also coordinates air sup- port operations with appropriate amphibious task force and landing force air control agencies. Records of targets in the objective area are main- tained, and appropriate fire support activities in the amphibious objective area are monitored when responsibility for the coordination of fires is passed to the CLF ashore.
Tactical Air Direction Center
The tactical air direction center (TADC) is orga- nized and located in the flagship of the CATF. The TADC provides the means to direct and coordi- nate all tactical air operations in an objective area, including AAW, until this responsibility is trans- ferred to the Marine TACC ashore. The TADC consists of a tactical air controller; air support con- troller; AAW coordinator; and appropriate opera- tions, intelligence, and communications personnel
and equipment. Personnel and equipment are pro- vided by the flagship, the staff of the CATF, and a designated tactical air control squadron.
Helicopter Direction Center
The helicopter direction center (HDC) is orga- nized aboard the flagship of the helicopter trans- port group to provide the means to direct and control helicopters during the ship-to-shore movement. It consists of a helicopter director, who is accountable to the tactical air commander for direction of all helicopters and supporting air- craft; a helicopter direction net officer; a helicop- ter air controller; and other appropriate air operations and communications personnel and equipment. Personnel and equipment are nor- mally provided by the flagship on which the HDC is established.
To effect the direction and control of helicopter movement in an objective area, the HDC must operate under the overall direction of the TADC for coordinating air operations with other agen- cies and under the operational control (OPCON) of the helicopter transport group commander. The HDC advises the TADC on all matters pertaining to helicopter movement that require coordination with supporting arms. The HDC provides infor- mation as directed by the TADC and the helicop- ter transport group commander and maintains availability and location status of assigned heli- copters. The HDC also receives requests for heli- copter support, designates units to provide helicopters for specific missions, and directs their employment. The HDC further controls the movement of helicopters, both transport and escort, from wave rendezvous to the initial point, and from takeoff at the landing zone to the breakup point. The HDC also controls movement of helicopters between platforms and assists the DASC in controlling helicopters between ship and shore after the control of helicopters has been passed ashore.
Tactical-Logistical Group
Tactical-logistical groups are temporary agen- cies organized as required by ground combat organizations of a landing force to assist the naval control organization in the ship-to-shore movement of troops, equipment, and supplies. They are normally established aboard control ships at each echelon of the MAGTF, along with the naval control agency exercising control over the ship-to-shore movement of that echelon dur- ing a waterborne landing. They are also estab- lished aboard each helicopter transport carrier during vertical assaults. A TACLOG consists of operations, CSS, embarkation, and communica- tions personnel provided by the parent ground combat organization.
The TACLOG assists the corresponding naval control agency in handling landing force require- ments during the ship-to-shore movement. It is task-organized to inform the naval control agency about the location of units, equipment, and sup- plies, and to monitor their regulated movement ashore. The TACLOG maintains a detailed record of the unloading and landing status, provides information to appropriate commanders concern- ing the progress of the ship-to-shore movement, and responds to routine requests received from units by coordinating with the naval control agency. It further advises the naval control
agency when the tactical situation ashore dictates an adjustment to the prescribed landing sequence.