Air Mobility Command
Opportune Lift
AMC (formerly Military Airlift Command) is a
The Opportune Lift (OPLIFT) program is a system
worldwide system operating transport aircraft over
used to divert government-sponsored cargo within the
scheduled air routes. It also operates in air terminals at
DTS from MSC to Navy vessels. The OPLIFT
appointed areas. Most overseas air shipments and
program was started to conserve transportation funds
personnel movements use AMC service.
by moving Navy material into available space on U.S.
N av y s h i p s d u r i n g s c h e d u l e d d e p l oy m e n t s , .
Special Assignment Airlift Missions (SAAM)
Heavy,bulky, or low-priority shipments that do not
have a specific RDD are eligible for the OPLIFT
The purpose for using SAAM is to move aircraft
program. NAVMTO provides technical assistance to
loads of cargo rapidly when regularly scheduled airlift
shippers requesting OPLIFT and coordinates
service is not available to meet fleet requirements.
movements of general cargo from CONUS. NAVMTO
When SAAMs are required, a commercial aircraft is
also maintains direct liaison with fleet commanders,
leased to transport material from and to a specific
shippers, and water terminal facilities. OPLIFTs that
point. Requests for SAAMs are submitted to
begin overseas are coordinated directly through
NAVMTO via message or telephone, 7 days a week, 24
cognizant fleet commanders. When last minute
hours a day.
changes in operational commitments occur, cargo may
be removed from vessels without advance notice.
The Procedures for Arranging Navy-Sponsored
Therefore, activities using OPLIFTs must make sure
Special Assignment Airlift Missions, OPNAVINST
material with specific RDD or high-priority material is
4630.26, provides guidelines and procedures for the
not shipped though this program.
use of SAAMs.
SURFACE SHIPMENTS
OCEAN SHIPMENTS
When possible, you should use surface
Ocean shipments of Navy-owned or sponsored
transportation for shipping material. The following
cargo are made by Navy fleet vessels or vessels
paragraphs describe some means of surface shipments.
provided by the Military Sealift Command (MSC).
Cargo is moved in Navy fleet ships under established
Shipment by Government Vehicle
procedures of the proper fleet or type commander of
their authorized representatives. Normally cargo
When directed by local authority, you may use
transported in Navy fleet vessels is limited to material
government-owned and operated equipment to
moving in direct support of fleet operations. However,
transport freight in distances up to 100 miles. During
available space may be used to transport other
emergency situations, use of government-owned and
low-priority supplies.
operated motor vehicles may be authorized for
The MSC is responsible for providing ocean
distances beyond 100 miles. Travel of more than 100
shipments to meet the requirements of the DOD. The
miles must have justification. It may be for security
type of shipping space provided by the MSC includes
reasons or when the use of such vehicles would be in
space on vessels controlled and operated by the MSC.
the best interest of the government. Government
MSC also provides space on vessels controlled but not
vehicles used for transporting freight with excessive
operated by the MSC and space obtained in
dimensions or weight require a state permit.
commercial vessels by the MSC.
Commercial Trucks
Sea Express
The Navy or commercial truck lines may be used
Shipments that do not meet requirements for air
for small shipments within CONUS or commercial
transportation but require rush processing may use the
trucks may be leased for exclusive use. The following
Sea Express (SEA-EX). Shipments that qualify for air
paragraphs describes the contract truck
shipment also may qualify for SEA-EX when air
(CONTRUCK) and the Northeast Dedicated Truck
transportation is not available.
System (NDTS), managed by NAVMTO.
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