2. MISSION. a. Engineer port repair ship crews are military units organized to assist in the opening and rehabilitation of captured ports. They operate from engineer port repair ships which are ocean-going steam or Diesel-powered vessels. (See fig. [1] and sec. [III] for the ships’ specifications.)
b. In performing this mission, a port repair ship crew might be required to assist in removing obstructions and debris from harbor entrances, harbors, docks, and areas alongside wharves, quays, and piers; repair underwater structures; make and repair parts for damaged port facilities and equipment; and salvage cargos and small craft. Large salvage operations are a naval function and are handled by the Navy’s salvage ships.
3. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER UNITS. a. Port construction and repair groups. The engineer port repair ship operates as the offshore arm of the port construction and repair group (FM 5-5) and is under the group commander’s authority.
(1) The group’s mission is to return captured ports to operating condition. It repairs such port facilities as power and water-supply plants, communications, wharves, docks, warehouses, and cargo-handling equipment. (See fig. [2].)
Figure 1. General view of an engineer port repair ship.
Symbols: S = engineer port repair ship. G = port construction and repair group.
Figure 2. Schematic view of a typical captured port showing jobs done by the port construction and repair group and those done by the engineer port repair ship.