Knight, Lendall, CAPT

Chain of Command
Commanders: RADM D.L. Brewer III and RADM S.G. Smith
Mission included: Commander Amphibious Task Force (CATF) and Commander Maritime Prepositioning Force (CMPF)

A maritime prepositioning force (MPF) operation is the rapid deployment and assembly of a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) in a secure area using strategic airlift and cforward-deployed maritime prepositioning ships (MPSs).  An MPF operation is a mission-tailored, strategic deployment option that is global in nature, naval in character, and suitable for various employment. Maritime prepositioning provides a combatant commander with deployment flexibility and an increased capability to respond rapidly to a crisis or contingency with a credible force. The essential purpose of an MPF operation is to establish a MAGTF fully prepared to execute an employment mission.

The CMPF is identified in the operation initiating directive, and has OPCON of all MSC and NAVFORassigned to the MPF, except those NAVFOR attached to the MAGTF. The CMPF and staff originate from a standing Navy organization complete with C2 capabilities; e.g., amphibious groups, amphibious squadrons or NBGs. Responsibilities follow: Coordinate the establishment oañ FH with the FH program manager if the MPF mission so requires;  Coordinate airlift of NSEs with the MAGTF commander; Coordinate time-phased arrival of MPF elements and control measures within the AAA with the MAGTF commander; Designate the seaward security officer (SSO); Coordinate termination of the MPF operation with the MAGTF commander.

Other Memories
COMPHIBGRU 3 assumed role of CMPF in Exercise Native Fury in Kuwait (1998) and Exercise Freedom Banner in Korea.
Established a Mobile Intelligence Center (MIC) to provide direct supprt to Commander Maritime Prepositioning Force (CMPF), the Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare (MIUW) Unit and Landward Security Officer (LSO).  The MIC was an "all source" organization with full SIGINT, HUMINT and Counterintelligence capabilities which complemented the capabilities of the MIUW Unit Radar Sonar Surveillance Center (RSSC).  MIC personnel routinely briefed CMPF, Inshore Boat Units (IBU), and Port Security Units (PSU) assigned to a Naval Inshore Undersea Warfare Group 1 (redesignated Naval Coastal Warfare Group 1 in 1988).
Life on MPF duty involved living and working in tents set up in ports on along shorelines for extended periods of time.

MSM Award
For meritorious service while serving as Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence at Amphibious Group THREE from December 1997 to August 1999. Commander Knight performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying exceptional skill and resourcefulness, he spearheaded groundbreaking improvements in Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence technologies on board all Pacific Fleet amphibious ships. He enhanced Force intelligence readiness with the development of the prototype Mobile Intelligence Center and Secure Mobile Local Area Network serving as the model for the architecture employed by THIRD Fleet's Intelligence Readiness Center, His diligent efforts dramatically improved intelligence support to Maritime Prespositioning Force operations during two contingency operations in the FIFTH Fleet Area of Responsibility. Additionally, he assembled and led a diverse team Of technical experts and analysts in publishing insightful items of interest to the entire Naval Intelligence community, By his exceptional professional ability, personal initiative, and total dedication to duty, Commander Knight reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.