Chapter 5

FIRE SUPPORT

Section VI. NAVAL SURFACE FIRE SUPPORT

5-27. GENERAL

    When naval surface fire support is available and the general tactical situation permits its use, naval firepower can provide large volumes of devastating, immediately available, and instantly responsive fire support to combat forces operating near coastal waters. These fires may be in support of amphibious operations within range of naval aircraft and gunfire, but they also may be made available to support land operations.

5-28. MISSION

    The general mission of naval surface fire support is to support maneuver force operations by destroying, neutralizing, or suppressing enemy targets that oppose our forces. Naval surface fire support may be provided by NGF and naval air power. Usually, it is delivered in concert with support fires from other arms.

5-29. NAVAL GUNFIRE CHARACTERISTICS

Naval gunfire:

•     Has a flat trajectory that makes it effective against vertical-face targets, but ineffective against rear-slope targets.
  

•     Can deliver a high volume of fire in a short period of time.

•     May provide precision-guided munitions (PGMs).

•     Has a large range error. Units should always try to avoid firing over or near friendly units. They should fire parallel to the FLOT.

•     Is less accurate in rough seas.

•     Has limited communications between ship and shore.

•     Is generally coordinated and executed through the support of liaison personnel from hte MAGTF Liaison Companies.

    The only US NGF weapon system available now is the 5-inch/54 found primarily on destroyers.

    The danger-close distance for the 5-inch gun is 750 meters.

    The 5-inch gun can provide illumination burn time from 45 to 72 seconds.

5-30. NAVAL AND CRUISE MISSILE CHARACTERISTICS