Amphibious Equipment

The LI 6033 - Amphibious Equipment program is a Navy budget line item that funds the procurement of specialized equipment to support Navy-Marine Corps amphibious operations, Logistics Over the Shore (LOTS), and Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) operations. The primary goal of this program is to enable the efficient transfer of vehicles, dry cargo, and liquid cargo from ships to shore, whether over bare beaches or through improved and semi-improved port facilities. This capability is critical for supporting distributed maritime operations, expeditionary advanced base operations, and maritime prepositioning force missions.

A major objective within LI 6033 - Amphibious Equipment is the procurement of the Joint Petroleum Over the Shore (JPOTS) Family of Systems (FoS). JPOTS is designed to deliver fuel to the high-water mark in support of joint operations, particularly within weapons engagement zones. By enabling ship-to-shore transfer of bulk petroleum, JPOTS allows Navy and Marine Corps assets to remain outside the range of enemy fires while ensuring ground forces ashore have the necessary fuel supply.

The JPOTS Family of Systems includes several components: the Sea-based Petroleum Distribution System (SPDS), Distributed Littoral Operations Fuel Transfer System (DLOFTS), Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System (ABLTS), Towed Fuel Bladder with Reach From The Beach (TFB with RFTB), and the Low Profile Distribution System (LPDS). The JPOTS Capability Set is funded to enhance support for Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), and Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) operations. Increased funding for JPOTS equipment procurement reflects the need to address evolving operational requirements, maintain strategic sealift capabilities, and ensure the Navy and Marine Corps can conduct large-scale, sustained logistics operations in contested environments.

Another key component of the line item is the Littoral Imaging System (LIS) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). Initial procurement of LIS UAS units supports on-demand littoral reconnaissance, enabling sailors to map coastal terrain, water depth, and wave/current hazards prior to ship-to-shore entry operations. This system rapidly generates shareable, geo-referenced maps of bathymetry, topography, and hydrodynamic hazards, directly supporting DMO concepts of operations by improving situational awareness and reducing risk to personnel and vessels.

The LIS UAS capability is particularly valuable for calculating the Modified Surf Index (MSI), which informs operational planning for amphibious landings. By leveraging imagery and data from the UAS, commanders can make informed decisions about safe sea lane passage and optimal landing sites, minimizing the risk of casualties and equipment loss during littoral operations. The procurement of LIS UAS assets reflects the Navy's commitment to integrating advanced technology into amphibious operations for enhanced safety and effectiveness.

Initial spares funding is included in the budget line to support sustainment of newly procured equipment. This ensures that JPOTS and LIS UAS systems remain operational and available for deployment as needed. The procurement schedule indicates that contracts for JPOTS and LIS UAS will be awarded in FY26, with deliveries expected to begin in the same fiscal year, supporting timely fielding of these critical capabilities.