Page 199 - MDSL Final

THE ENABLERS OF MARITIME POWER
Tactical Logistics

Focuses on planning and support within and among operating units of
the task force or battle group by drawing up of resources made available
at the operational level. The tactical level support functions include
maintenance, battle damage repair, engineering, cargo handling,
fuelling, arming, moving, sustaining, materiel transhipment, personnel
and health services.

Naval Logistics in War - The SLN Experience

SLN has a good experience in Naval Logistics. During the
three decade war SLN logisticians performed their duties
well to meet the operational requirement in the battle
field. SLN had to acquire most of essential war materiel
from outside sources from the 7.62mm ammunition to
heavy guns and stores. The pace at which the items had
to be supplied and replenished was a critical factor in the
operations.

The distribution of the acquired or purchased items also
falls at the hands of the logisticians. War materiel, mainly;
victualling items, medical facilities, training aids and spares
for maintenance had to be distributed to the end users out
of which most of them were in the battle front with no land
access. The transportation of items had to be coordinated
with sea convoys scheduled to operate from Trincomalee.
Some of the critical items needed with urgency had to be
air lifted with the assistance of SLAF from their Base in
Colombo or Anuradhapura.

During ‘Hunter Killer Operation’ where SLN in an
unprecedented hunt, destroyed the adversary’s floating
warehouses thousands of miles away from the coast, SLN
used its units in the Auxiliary fleet to replenish the Task
Force with fuel and water at a predetermined location in
high seas.

To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea 179