They provide the ground combat elements of French amphibious task forces and are specifically trained for that purpose.

Nicholas was designed to provide in-depth protection for military and merchant shipping, amphibious task forces, and underway replenishment groups.

She got underway 23 January for the invasion of the Marshalls, as American amphibious task forces picked up momentum in their drive toward Japan.

For the marines, the deployment order includes two amphibious task forces, parts of a marine division, support personnel and a number of attack planes and helicopters, officials said.

In October, in response to the Soviet naval buildup during the Arab-Israeli war, Barry steamed to join the 6th Fleet's Amphibious Task Forces.

The Allies organized three amphibious task forces to seize the key ports and airports of Morocco and Algeria simultaneously, targeting Casablanca, Oran and Algiers.

Under Mr. Rumsfeld's order on Friday, about 17,500 marines, including the amphibious task forces loading up at Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton, will leave soon for the gulf.

Her primary mission is to provide rapid, flexible, and mobile acute medical and surgical services to support Marine Corps Air/Ground Task Forces deployed ashore, Army and Air Force units deployed ashore, and naval amphibious task forces and battle forces afloat.