AMNYEON BEACH, South Korea - Twelve watercraft troops served as the center of gravity for all Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (CJLOTS) 2015 operations on Amnyeon Beach, South Korea, June 29 through July 9.

The purpose of CJLOTS 2015 was to allow the U.S. and ROK the ability to transfer solid and liquid cargo from the sea to shore. This improves logistical capabilities, communication and cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea.

The 545th Harbormaster Operations Detachment, 8th Theater Sustainment Command worked alongside their counterparts from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and the Republic of Korea Army to transport more than 50 pieces of rolling stock from ship-to-shore under austere conditions, demonstrating the critical role U.S. Army Harbormaster operators play in providing this joint, multi-national capability across the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility.

"We were part of the Joint Logistics Command and Control [JLCC] center where we were the center-point for all command and control for all vessel movement in CJLOTS," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Clinton Smith. "Nothing moved on water without our say so."

The JLCC was established on shore overlooking the trident pier where they provided oversight of ships approaching the beach head. This center was responsible for the command and control of vessels as far as 10 miles off-shore and across five miles of beach front.

"The communication we had with our sister services and the ROK [Republic of Korea] was fantastic," said Smith. "Most of the Soldiers in my detachment had not been part of CJLOTS in the previous years but now they know what is expected and what they have to manage."

545th facilitated communications and coordination for 20 water vessels involved, similar to the way an air traffic controller facilitates the airspace. They controlled movement as well as any of the vessels concerns.

"We had minor technical concerns like the sea state [tidal fluctuations] that slowed us down a little and a shortage of spare parts for the vessels on the ready but the 558th Transportation Company from Fort Eustis was always ready to provide support by going to the vessel, assessing the need, and fixing the problem."

These tidal fluctuations created the need for a temporary 1,840 foot causeway (Trident Pier), the largest built in CJLOTS history and the first one built by the U.S. Army.

"This was a milestone!" said Smith. "Working alongside the other branches was an invaluable experience for my detachment and the cohesion was the best I have ever been a part of. They are a great group of professionals."