At Anmyeon Beach on the Republic of Korea’s west coast July 9, 2015, ROK and U.S. forces wrapped up the Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore 2015 exercise, during which approximately 1,700 personnel overcame extreme tidal fluctuations to establish two temporary pipelines, a 560 meter (1,840 foot) temporary floating pier, and numerous cargo transfers from the sea to the shore in a busy coastal area. 

This was the first time the combined forces accomplished these maneuvers on the west coast of Korea, and the CJLOTS ‘15 team compiled lessons learned from the activities of nearly 40 units and 40 vessels.

“Working in this environment, with the tidal surge over the mud flats, was extremely challenging, but I’m happy to report we succeeded. We did it,” said U.S. Rear Adm. Daniel Fillion, Expeditionary Strike Group Three and joint task force commander. “And the men and women of the ROK military and the U.S. forces working as an Alliance is the reason we succeeded.”

At Anmyeon, the tide can vary up to 8 meters (29 feet), but wave heights, tide schedules, sea states (how rough the waves are), ocean currents, changing beach shape, wind speeds and visibility all factored into U.S.-ROK decision-making about the safe and efficient movement of cargo from the sea to the shore.

ROK units participating included the First Marine Corps Amphibious Landing Support Battalion, the Port Operating Unit of the Transportation Command, and the Logistics Command of the ROK Army led by the ROK Navy Flotilla 5. U.S. units included the Expeditionary Strike Group Three, the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), the Military Sealift Command and the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Support Battalion.