BOOTS ON THE WATER: PACIFIC MARITIME MISSION IS HERE TO STAY
MAJ. GEN. DAVID WILSON
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
The existence of Army Watercraft Systems and the capabilities they offer remain a revelation to many. However, the enabling effect these seagoing vessels provide to the joint force and the Indo-Pacific region is undeniable.
The Army has played an integral role in joint overseas expeditions and joint war plans since the establishment of the Joint Army and Navy Board in 1903. Army amphibious operations began as a joint venture under the command of the Navy, but over time, the Army assumed command responsibility of its amphibious formations and operations.
In the early 1940s, Gen. Douglas MacArthur specifically requested the Army’s amphibious formations for shore-to-shore operations in the Southwest Pacific. In 1943, he received three engineer amphibious brigades along with their vessels. The brigades were used for beach landings and the transport of personnel, equipment and supplies. These brigades conducted 36 major and 344 secondary shore-to-shore and ship-to-shore operations and executed 148 combat landings in support of joint forces.
https://www.ausa.org/articles/boots-water-pacific-maritime-mission-here-stay
